PASSAGES  IN  THE  LIFE 

OF 

The  Faire  Gospeller 

MISTRESS    ANNE    ASKEW. 


Recounted  by   ye  unworthie  Pen  of 
Nicholas  Moldwarp,  B.A., 


AND  NOW  FIRST  SET  FORTH  BY 

THE  AUTHOR  OF  "MARY  POWELL." 


Rather  Death  than  fal/e  of  F.iith. 


NEW  lORK, 

D  0  D  D ,    MEAD    &    COMPANY, 

Publishers. 


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PASSAGES    IN  THE  LIFE 


OF 


>,     THE    FAIRE    GOSPELLER, 

AT/STRESS  ANNE  ASKEIV. 


228817 


CONTENTS. 


PROLOGUE. 

rACi 

What  the  Houfe  Porter  fayd      ....        7 

SECTION  I. 
How  we  loft  our  loved  Lady       ....      27 

SECTION  II. 
How  we  came  by  our  new  Lady  ....      40 

SECTION  III. 
How  Sir  William  put  me  in  Charge    ...      S3 

SECTION    IV. 
How  Mafter  Francis  and  I  went  overfeas  .        .      68 

SECTION  V. 
What  befel  us  in  Foreign  Parts  ,        ,  '79 

SECTION   VL 
How  we  left  Venice     .        .        .        •        •        •      9* 

SECTION  VII. 
Of  Weddings  and  Burials io5 


vi  Contents, 

SECTION  VIII. 

PACK 

Springes  to  catch  a  poor  Bird     .        .        .        .119 

SECTION    IX. 
How  the  poor  Bird  fled  from  its   Cage   to   its 

Neft 131 

SECTION  X. 
Of  our  Journey  to  London I45 

SECTION   XI. 
Of  what  befel  us  in  London        ,        .        .        ,160 

SECTION  xn. 

Of  our  Change  of  Place 178 

SECTION  XIII. 
Of  what  befel  us  there 195 

SECTION  XIV. 
Delivered  to  ye  Tormentors        .        .        .        .212 

SECTION  XV. 
Adjutor  in  Tribulationibus 224 

SECTION  XVL 
Freed  at  Laft       .        .        .        .        .        .        .229 


PROLOGUE. 


W/iat  the  Houfe  Porter  fay d. 


Yes,  Sir,  the  Houfe  hath  a  Blight 

on  it.  I  remember  when  'twas  not  fo  .  .  . 
that  was  when  I  was  a  Boy  ;  and  before  you 
were  born.  Sir.  Not  fo  very  young  }  well, 
you  may  be  older  than  your  favour.  Sir  .  .  . 
In  respeft  of  years,  I  fuppofe  I  might  be  your 
Grandfather,  Sir. 

Maybe  ye  come  down  to  thefe  parts  for 
fowling.-'  Marry,  we  have  decoys  of  teal, 
widgeon,  and  others  of  the  duck  kind  .  .  . 
Greebes,  goodwits,  whimbrels,  coots,  ruffs  an' 
reeves  find  plenty  of  food  in  our  filhy  pools 
and  flreams.  This  county  is  a  great  refort 
of  the  feathered  kind.  Stares  rooft  on  the 
reeds  in  winter,  breaking  'em  down  by  their 
weight.     Not  a  fowler.  Sir  } 

.  .  .  Stratford    on    Avon,    Sir  ?     No,    I've 


8  TJie  Faire  Gofpeller, 

never  been  there.  I  was  born  and  bred  on 
this  land.  Sir, — that's  why  I  hang  by  it  flili. 
It  has  a  bad  name,  folks  fpeak  ill  of  it,  and 
I'm  fure  I've  reafon  to  think  ill  of  it ;  but  'tis 
familiar  to  me,  you  fee.  Well,  it  is  low  and 
fenny. 

Ghofls,  Sir  "i  No  !  .  .  .  I  ne'er  heed  what 
they  fay  of  'em.  There's  none,  Sir  ! — or  there 
would  be,  here.  Difmal  Noifes  there  are, 
full  fure,  fighings  of  the  Wind,  and  fo  forth — 
fcurrying  of  Rats  behind  the  Pannells, — 
creaks  of  ruflie  Cafements, — old  Furniture 
ftretching  itfelf  and  yawning.  Nothing 
worfe. 

If  I  thought  JJie  walked,  I'd  watch  the 
livelong  Night  for  her,  I  warrant  ye !  But 
no,  file's  quiet  where  fhe  is.  There  be 
others,  might  well  be  unquiet  in  their  graves, 
but  they  would  not  haunt  this  place.  Sir. 
Still,  I  deny  not  there  be  ftories  about  .  .  . 

Now  we  come  to  Miftrefs  Anne's  pidlure. 
That's  her. — Yes,  it's  like.  '  Equal '  to  that, 
Sir  }     Blefs  you  ! 

This  was  done  by  an  Italian.  Her  picture 
was  painted  in  London,  fome  time  after,  but 
I  doubt  if  by  as  good  a  hand.  The  other  is 
called  '  the  motto  picture.'     This   wants    no 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJkew.  9 

motto.  I've  feen  her  look  juft  fo  ;  her  lips  a 
little  apart,  ready  to  fpeak.  That  bad  man 
called  her  a  parrot.     '  Parrot '  quotha  ! 

What  did  he  mean  by  it .''  Well,  Sir,  he 
meant  to  filence  her ;  put  her  down.  She 
had  too  Iharp  a  wit  for  him  :  not  fharp  i'  th' 
wrong  fenfe,  ye  wot.  Certes,  when  they 
browbeat  her,  fhe  anfwered  'em  agayn,  A 
worm  will  turn.  Sir.  Yes,  Sir,  juft  as  you 
fay  :  much  enforced,  fhe  would  fhow  a  hafty 
fpark.     Gone  the  next  moment.  Sir ! 

— If  you  look  well  at  that  pi6ture,  you'll 
note  there's  not  a  fingle  hard  line  in  it. 
Mafter  Moldwarp  obferved  it  to  me  firft.  He 
fayd  there  are  no  hard  lines  in  nature,  and 
this  pi6fure  is  next  to  nature  itfelf.  Going — 
you  fee — before  its  time — the  paint  caking 
off — covered  with  a  network  of  fmall  cracks, 
though  painted  in  my  time.  Stand  a  little 
back,  Sir — you'll  not  fee  them.  There  are 
very  deep,  foft  fhadowings  about  the  eyes — 
you  can  hardly  tell  whether  the  eyes  are  grey 
or  brown  ;  no  more  you  could  of  hers — they 
looked  like  three-piled  velvet,  till  they  lighted 
up,  and  then — flafh  !     '  The  hafty  fpark,'  Sir  ! 

The  tincture  of  her  fkin  reminds  you  of  a 
pearl  and  a  peach  }      Well,  Sir,  you  fay  true. 


10  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

That  little  bit  of  hair  beneath  the  coif,  dark 
in  the  fhade,  golden  in  the  fun,  is  well  done, 
it  feems  to  me,  Sir  ?  She  was  fmall  and 
compactly  made,  not  under-fized,  but  of 
middle  height — her  little  bones  were  firmly 
knit.  Sir  !      But  oh,  the  fpirit  of  endurance — • 

We'll  pafs  on,  an'  it  pleafe  you.  This  fmall 
clofet  was  her  coufin  Britain's  bed-chamber. 
Darkfome  and  fomewhat  flraitened,  but  he 
liked  it  becaufe  it  opened  into  the  Book-room. 
He  was  hugely  given  to  ftudy,  was  Mafter 
Britain.  There's  the  old  prefs  he  kept  his 
clothes  in. 

This  is  the  Book-room,  Sir.  Difappointed 
in  it  }  May  I  make  bold  to  afk  what  you 
expected  }  Belike  there  be  bigger  book-rooms 
at  your  Univerfities  ;  but  for  a  country  gentle- 
man— well,  I  thought  it  had  been  fomething 
beyond  common.  Mafler  Britain's  hand  was 
familiar  with  those  heavy  volumes,  Sir  ;  but 
they  are  fpoiling  for  want  of  care — the  damp 
mildews  them  in  winter,  and  the  fun  rots 
them  in  fummer,  ftreaming  in  on  them 
through  that  fouth  window  with  ne'er  a 
blind. 

Miftrefs  Anne  ufed  to  be  here  a  good  deal ; 
poring  over  the  books  with  her  coufm.     She 


Mijlrcfs   Aline  AJkezv.  1 1 

had  a  turn  for  fhudy,  Sir ;  it  was  born  in  her 
Perhaps  it  had  been  better  had  flie  ne'er 
learnt  to  read.  Nobody  comes  here  now,  but 
Mafter  Nicholas  Moldwarp.  Who  is  he,  do 
you  fay.  Sir  ?  A  reverend  and  clerkly  gentle- 
man, though  of  humble  defcent,  Sir.  His 
father  was  houfe-fteward  to  Sir  William. 
Little  Nick,  as  he  was  ufed  to  be  called,  took 
hugely  to  his  book,  and  it  came  to  Sir  Wil- 
liam's knowledge,  and  he  favoured  him  and  let 
him  learn  of  his  chaplain,  and  he  was  fent  to 
St,  John's  College,  Cambridge. 

At  eighteen  years  of  age.  Sir,  he  was  made 
bachelor  of  arts.  That  fhowed  good  fcholar- 
fliip,  I  fuppofe  .''  I  remember  we  all  thought 
much  of  it.  He  was  elated  a  little,  I  think, 
by  what  was  thought  of  him  here  at  home, 
and  he  gave  out  that  he  was  pretty  fure  to  get 
a  Fellowlhip.  But  difficulties  arofe.  Sir :  he 
had  become  tinftured  with  the  new  opinions. 
Some  evil  in  his  throat,  like  as  of  the  core  of 
an  apple  in  his  wind-pipe,  came  on  whene'er 
he  eflayed  to  read  aloud  or  fpeak  for  a  con- 
tinuance ;  and  this  growing  worfe  and  hinder- 
ing his  advancement.  Sir  William  made  him 
keeper  of  the  Book-room,  and  fent  him  abroad 
with  Mafter  Francis. 


12  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

Yes,  he  lives  ftill,  Sir.  Sir  Francis  is 
dead ;  but  Mafter  Moldvvarp,  though  his 
fenior,  is  not.  His  blamelefs  courfe,  Sir,  has 
conduced  to  long  living  ;  but  he  has  had  his 
forrows.  He  is  now  very  withered,  very 
fhaky  .  .  .  trembling  like  the  laft  November 
leaf  on  the  bough  ;  but  his  mind  as  clear  as 
ever,  Sir  ;  and  he  llill  hangs  about  the  old 
place. 

He  hath  a  penfion  of  Ten  Pounds  by  the 
year.  That  was  granted  to  him  for  dedi- 
cating a  Book  to  the  King's  Majefty,  which 
he  went  up  and  prefented  to  him  at  Green- 
wich. It  took  him  a  deal  of  pains  to  write, 
and  was  fayd  to  be  above  common,  Sir. 
What  was  the  fubjeft .?  Well,  Sir,  The 
Adornment  of  Gardens. 

A  trivial  fubject,  ye  may  think,  and  un- 
likelie  for  a  great  Scholar  to  write  upon  ;  but 
I've  heard  him  fay  there's  no  Subje6l  fo  Bald 
and  unpromifing  but  a  Genius  may  ingrayn 
and  overlay  it  with  choice  Conceits  and 
Clafficalities.  Maybe  King  Henry  would 
have  afifecled  it  more,  had  it  been  touching 
Polemics,  but  that  would  not  have  been  fuch 
fafe  ground  ;  for  I've  heard  the  King  was  apt 
to   change  his   own   Mind,  fo   that  what  he 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJkew.  1 3 

prayfed  to-day,  he  might  punifh  to-morrow  .  . 
Gardening  was  fafe  ground,  Sir. 

Ye  Ihould  have  feen  the  prefentation  copy, 
done  on  veHum,  with  fine  bordures  of  gold 
and  divers  colours — the  gold-leaf  layd  on 
quite  in  plates,  like  as  the  old  Monks  ufed 
to  do.  Mafter  Moldwarp  had  a  gift  that  way, 
which  he  improved  abroad. 

When  Queen  Mary  came  to  the  Throne, 
he  lofb  his  Penfion,  and  had  to  fhift  for  his 
living  an'  keep  clofe  to  fave  his  Life.  We 
all  loved  him  fo  well  that  he  harboured  fafely 
among  us,  and  he  moftly  tables  with  me 
ftill.  But,  by  the  bounty  of  our  gracioufe 
Queen,  his  Penfion  hath  been  reftored.  Happy 
the  Land  that  hath  a  Godly  Queen, 

Sir,  it  is  pouring  of  Rain — your  goodly 
Apparel  will  be  drenched,  if  ye  effay  to  go 
forthe  ere  the  Storm  hath  fpent  itfelf.  An* 
you  will  condefcend.  Sir,  to  accompany  me  to 
the  Steward's  Room,  which  is  nearly  the  only 
inhabited  corner  of  the  Houfe,  you  fhall  have, 
not  a  Manchet,  but  a  good  Barley  Loaf;  and 
three  Mutton-bones  boiled  ;  and  fhall  fee  and 
converfe  with  Mafter  Moldwarp,  an'  it  like 
vou. 


14  The  Fairc  Gqfpeller, 


Good  Will!  fweet  Will!  hadft  thou  been 
in  my  place,  thou  wouldft  have  made  precious 
Merchandize  of  this  old  Maunderer ;  and, 
couldft  thou  have  feen  the  Deferted  old 
Manor  Houfe,  all  mouldering  and  decaying 
bit  by  bit,  and  the  Pleafance  fo  rankly  o'er- 
grown,  and  the  defaced  Picture  of  that  fair 
Creature — fcarce  fixteen  at  the  time — and 
the  old  tattered  green  Bed  fhe  flept  in,  and 
the  old  Book-room  flie  haunted — I  know  full 
well  thou  wouldft  have  become  fo  poffeffed 
of  her  prefence,  as  that,  having  brooded  on 
it  awhile,  firft  on  the  fpot,  and  then  in  thy 
Bank-fide  Lodging,  thou  wouldft  have  called 
her  into  Life  agayn,  in  one  of  thofe  marvel- 
loufe  Creations  of  thine  which  thou  art  ^en 
now  devifmg. 

Now,  forafmuch  as  I  am  at  this  prefent 
fliut  into  mine  ill  Lodging  by  fettled  Rain,  I 
find  time  to  jot  down  all  was  fayd  to  me  by 
this  grey-haired  blue-coated  old  Serving-man, 
who  was  not  ill-pleafed  to  get  a  Companion 
and  Auditor;  and  mefeenis,  in  thus  doing,  1 
may  be  fupplying  yju,  molt  gifted  Will,  with 


Mijlrefs  Anne   AJkew.  15 

Notes  pour  Servyr.  Read  them  to  the.  end, 
then,  and  caft  them  not  incontinently  into 
the  Wood-fire  that  burns  on  Thy  Hearth  e'en 
in  open-cafement  feafon,  chiefly  for  the  pur- 
pofe,  I  fufpeft,  of  burning  wafte  paper. 

This  old  Servitor  is  very  deaf,  as  well  as 
well  ftricken  in  years.  You  will  perceive  he 
repeated  almoft  everything  I  fayd  to  him  ;  to 
make  fure,  as  'twere,  of  not  mifapprehending 
me.  Thus  I  have  fent  you  not  a  Dialogue, 
but  Monologue. 

Agayn,  his  fpeech  was  hardlie  that  of  a 
mere  Houfe  Porter  ;  and  I  take  it  to  be  for 
this  reafon — that  he  meffes  dailie  with  a  good 
Scholar  whofe  converfe  imparts  a  kind  of 
intelligence  to  his  owne.  Tell  me  your 
Companions,  and  fo  forthe — the  Proverb  is 
fomething  ftale.  By  commerce  with  a 
fuperior  Mind,  the  inferior  acquires  fome- 
thing, however  little,  tindlure  from  it.  Par 
exeniple,  I  may  and  mufl  have  been  fomewhat 
fliarpened  at  thy  whetftone,  gentle  Will — 
albeit  I  am  to  thee  as  Cloth  of  Frieze  to 
Cloth  of  Gold. 

The  old  Man  took  me  through  fundrie 
damp  ftone  paffages  ;  and  whenever  a  door 
fluit    to    behind    him,    'twas    with    a    ghoflly 


1 6  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

clang  that  echoed  through  the  emptie  Houfe 
Sometimes,  when  he  fumbled  at  a  rufly  lock, 
it  feemed  me  fome  confcious  Prefence  breathed 
a  cold  Breath  on  my  Cheek  or  the  nape  of 
my  Neck.  Now  and  then,  in  dark  corners,  I 
thought  I  heard  a  Sigh. 

At  length  we  reached  the  Houfe  Steward's 
Room,  where,  though  there  was  little  befide 
an  old  oaken  Table,  Bench,  and  Stool,  a 
decaying  fire,  treen  platters,  and  a  black  jack 
— there  was  more  an  air  of  human,  living 
comfort  than  in  any  other  apartment  of  that 
forlorn  houfe.  Dozing  or  mufing  over  that 
handful  of  red  embers,  with  his  pale,  bony 
hands  on  his  knees,  fate  a  lean  old  man  who 
might  have  been  your  Holofernes,  returning 
blink  for  blink  with  an  old  grey  Cat. 

He,  looking  leifurely  round,  as  if  affured 
of  only  feeing  his  old  chum,  opened  his 
eyes  wide  at  my  unexpe6led  apparition,  and 
greeted  me  with  a  wiftful  ftare.  To  him 
fayd  mine  ufher  how  that  I  was  a  noble  and 
worthy  gentleman  who,  for  regard  to  tJie 
Family  (as  though  there  had  been  but  one 
in  the  world)  had  fought  out  that  removed 
place,  for  no  other  earthly  reafon  than  to  look 
at  the  old  walls,  and  the  portraieture  of  Mif- 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJkew.  17 

trefs  Aane  :  and  that  a  fquall  of  wind  and 
rain  having  befallen,  he  had  bidden  me  to  his 
poor  table  to  break  my  faft  however  meanly. 

Sayd  Mafter  Holofernes — Mafter  Mold- 
warp,  I  mean — with  a  dignity  that  became 
him,  "  Sir,  you  are  welcome.  Jafper  and  I 
commonly  partake  our  meal  head  to  head,  as 
the  Frenchman  fays — The  advent  of  a  third 
party  is  almoft  iniexampled,  and  by  no  means 
unwelcome.  I  would  we  could  fhow  him 
better  entertainment." 

I  protefted  againft  the  need  or  the  wifh. 
With  a  mute  gefture  of  the  hand  he  waved 
the  fubject  out  of  fight,  and  thereupon  we 
drew  round  the  old  board  with  ne'er  a  cloth 
on't,  and  pulled  at  the  barley  loaf  and  black 
jack  in  right  good  fellowfhip.  Nor  was 
formal  grace  forgotten  :  and  when  the  old 
ftudent  quenched  his  drought,  he  toafted 
"  To  better  times  ; "  and  fetched  a  figh. 

Why  feek  for  better }  quod  I.  Sure  the 
times  are  mended  fince  you  were  a  fchoolboy. 

You  may  fay  fo,  you  may  fay  fo,  quod  he, 
fliaking  his  old  poll,  that  had  a  trick  o'  trem- 
bling already.  Why,  Sir,  I  can  remember  the 
vvorfl  times  this  land  ever  knew — times  that 
your  nurfe  may  have  feared  you  with  flories 


1 8  The  Faire  Gofpcller, 

of — days  when  the  godly  of  this  realm  had 
trial  of  cruel  mockings  and  fcourgings,  of 
bonds  and  imprifonment — were  tempted,  were 
tried,  were  flain  with  the  fword,  were  burned 
with  fire.  You  have  heard  of  it  with  the 
hearing  of  the  ear,  but  mine  eyes  have  feen  it. 

(Confirmed  by  Jafper  with  fomewhat  be- 
tween a  grunt  and  a  grone.) 

Something  I  have  heard  of  this,  replied  I, 
with  affumed  lightnefs,  but  what  the  eye  does 
not  fee,  the  heart  does  not  rue. 

Probatum  ejl,  rejoined  the  old  man,  and 
feemed  fhutting  his  memories  up,  which  was 
not  what  I  wanted. 

If  you  have  any  exemplars  to  quote,  fayd  I, 
bending  towards  him,  and  fpeaking  loudly 
and  diftinftly,  all  I  can  fay  is  that  any  recol- 
le6lions  you  can  unfold  and  will  condefcend  to 
impart,  will  find  an  apprehenfive  auditor. 

Sir,  I  am  not  deaf,  fayd  he,  fomething 
quickly.  Indeed  my  age  is  great,  but  my 
hearing  is  not  dulled,  nor  my  mental  force 
abated.  I  think  I  may  fay  fo,  Jafper  }  (Two 
nods  from  Jafper.)  My  hand,  indeed,  doth 
vibrate  a  little,  which  makes  my  penmanfhip 
falter  fomewhat  ;  but  yet  I  write,  Sir.  Yes, 
I  write  a  little  llill ! 


Mijlrefs    Anne  AJkcw.  1 9 

I  am  not  ignorant,  fayd  I,  of  your  pre- 
tenfions  as  an  author.  (A  good  touch  that, 
Will!) 

The  bait  took.  No  }  fayd  he,  with  a  curious, 
pleafed  fmile  fleeting  over  his  wizen  face. 
May  I  be  fo  bold  as  to  inquire  what  work  of 
mine  you  have  perufed  t 

Have  you  ever  furpaffed  that  which  you 
dedicated  to  the  King } 

Well — no — quod  he,  doubtfully.  I  con- 
ceited you  referred  to  that — 'Tis  the  only 
thing  of  mine  that  will  live — A  few  brochures 
that  made  a  noife,  Sir,  at  the  time,  have  all 
dropt  out  of  fight. 

Sic  tranfit  gloria  mtmdi,  fayd  I  appro- 
priately ;  which  was  well  received. 

All  this  while  the  fky  had  been  getting 
darker  and  darker,  the  atmofphere  flifling ; 
and  at  this  moment  a  vivid  Lightning  flafli 
paffmg  right  between  us,  made  us  ftart  from 
our  feats,  and  was  followed  the  next  inftant  by 
a  deafening  crafh  of  thunder.  It  made  us 
wink,  I  might  fay  wince  ;  for  a  minute  we 
were  all  dead  filent,  and  then  Mafter  Mold- 
warp  began,  rather  under  his  breath,  to  recite 
the  Twenty-ninth  Pfalm —  Vox  Domini  fupef 
aquas,    Dcus    majejlatis   intonnit :    Dominiis 


20  TJie  Faire  GofpcUcr, 

fupcr  aqjias  imiltas.  Vox  Domini  in  virtute  : 
vox  Domini  in  magnificentia,  etc. 

Wnen  he  got  to  confringcntis  cedros  he 
made  a  folemne  paufe  ;  looking  at  Jafper  with 
meaning.  And  Jafper  told  me  there  had 
indeed  been  a  mighty  Cedar  overfhadowing 
that  unfortunate  Iloufe,  that  was  lliivered  to 
fplinters  by  a  lightning  flalh,  the  very  day 
and  hour  that  Miftrefs  Anne  fuffered. 

Methinks  everything  brings  us  round  agayn 
to  Miflrefs  Anne,  fayd  I. 

Belike,  belike,  the  old  man  fayd  foftly.  Oh, 
Sir,  the  time  cannot  now  be  far  off  when  I 
fhall  enter  the  fame  Prefence  where  Ihe  is, 
whether  by  rough  or  fmooth  path. 

I  folicited  him  with  much  endeavour  to  tell 
me  all  he  knew  or  could  remember  of  her, 
from  which  at  firft  he  held  back.  At  length 
on  my  vaunting  fomcwhat  the  endowments 
and  acquirements  of  an  illuftrious,  gifted 
Friend  of  mine,  (thyfelf.  Will,)  to  whofe  wit 
mine  own  was  l)ut  as  the  Scabbard  to  the 
Sword,  and  who  now  held  a  prom.inent  place, 
though  infinitely  below  that  he  merited,  in  the 
world's  efleem,  and  that  he  coveted  and  would 
prize  any  particulars  I  could  give  him  (excufe 
that  fiourifli),  his  curiofity  became  awakened, 


Mijlrefs   Amie  AJkew.  21 

and  he  qiieflioned  me  Ihrewdly  refpe6ling 
the  courfe  your  genius  had  chofen.  When  I 
mentioned  the  Stage,  it  was  plain  to  fee  you 
loft  fome  elevation  in  his  opinion. 

The  fock  and  bufkin,  quod  he,  have  been 
held  in  refpecl  from  the  days  of  Thefpis  his 
cart,  by  reafon  of  great  poets  fuch  as  ^fchylus, 
Sophocles,  and  Euripides  making  their  dramas 
the  vehicles  of  great  and  profound  truths. 
Yet  we  know  too  well  that  the  exceffive 
love  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans  for  their 
Theatres,  and  finally  their  Amphitheatres,  de- 
moralized and  debafed  them  more  than  any- 
thing elfe.  Wherefore,  Sir,  I  hold  it  a  thing 
to  be  regretted,  that  in  thefe  more  inflru6led 
times,  wherein  the  pure  Gofpel  light  fhineth, 
our  court  and  city  are  alike  given  to  the 
patronage  and  encouragement  of  thefe  foolifh, 
licentious  toys.  .  .  .  Peradventure  I  am  ad- 
dreffmg  a  dramatift.  ....<* 

(I  difclaimed  the  honour.) 

Or  a  player  ....'' 

(I  denied  the  imputation.) 

Nay  then,  I  offend  you  not,  young  Sir,  in 
declaiming  againft  one  of  the  greateft  temp- 
tations to  wafte  time  in  the  metropolis,  where 
the   language  is   often   impure  and  prolane, 


22  TJie  Fa  Ire  Gofpeller, 

the  drefs  immodeft,  the  examples  enfnaring, 
the  views  of  human  hfe  and  character  un- 
natural, the  morality  highly  dangerous,  the 
company  pernicious. 

I  afked  whether  he  had  lately  vifited  the 
capital. 

Not  for  twenty  years  and  more,  he  replied. 

Then  I  affured  him  things  were  not  as  bad 
there  as  he  imagined ;  and  it  may  be  I 
coloured  the  pifture  a  little  too  brightly.  He 
obferved  with  fimplicity,  that  he  was  glad 
things  had  changed  fo  much  for  the  better. 
The  old  Myfteries  and  Moralities  had  been 
myfteries  of  immorality  and  profanity,  com- 
pelling the  word  of  God  to  fupply  matter  for 
buffoons.  He  fhould  deem  the  glorious  and 
bleffed  Reformation  near  perfe6lion  when 
comedies,  mafques,  and  interludes  were 
baniflied  altogether.  Now  we  had  become 
men,  we  fliould  put  afide  childifh  things. 

I  obferved,  You  include  not  tragedies.  .  .  . 

Ah,  fayd  he,  with  a  dolourous  figh,  we  find 
tragedies  in  real  life  beyond  any  that  were 
writ  by  the  old  Greeks. 

I  prefTed  him  more  clofely  ;  and  at  length 
out  there  came  fuch  a  tale  of  woe  and  forrow 
as  for  piteoufnefs  exceeded  that  fabrication  of 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew.  23 

thine,  Will,  that  beguiled  the  time  as  we 
footed  it  up  to  London,  trufting,  like  Dick 
Whittington,  to  find  its  ftreets  paved  with 
gold. 

In  fine,  he  robbed  me  of  fome  tears  ;  and 
old  Jafper  too,  waking  up  from  a  doze,  and 
taking  up  the  ftory  he  knew  by  heart  already, 
where  he  found  us  at  it,  was  fain  to  brufh 
his  hand  now  and  then  acrofs  his  eyes :  add- 
ing here  and  there  fome  correlative  circum- 
fiance. 

I  made  a  minute  or  two  of  times  and 
places  ;  obferving  which,  Mafter  Moldwarp 
faid  'twas  pity  my  tablets  were  fo  fmall,  and 
half-filled  already. 

Then  I  afl^cd  him  whether  he  of  his 
courtefy  might  not  be  prevailed  on  to  vacate 
a  certain  portion  of  his  leifure  (his  life  is 
nothing  elfe)  to  the  perpetuating  with  his 
mafterly  pen  the  fragment  of  family  hiftory 
he  had  been  relating  to  me.  He  fmiled  a 
little  at  the  word  mafterly  ;  fayd  his  writing 
days  were  part  .  .  .  time  had  been  when,  an' 
if  he  would  .  .  .  but  he  was  in  the  fear  and 
yellow  leaf  now  .  .  .  perhaps,  if  he  addreffed 
himfelf  to  it  at  fome  propitious  feafon  he 
might  jot  down  a  thing  or  two,  might  profit 


24  TJie  Faire  Gofpeller, 

me  and  my  gifted  friend,  in  the  way  of 
Chriftian  warning  and  example. 

I  fomewhat  eagerly  rejoined,  that  if  he 
would  furnifli  the  fable,  we  would  fit  the 
moral  ourfelves. 

Fables  I  am  too  old  for,  fayd  he  gravely, 
and  fo,  I  think,  are  you.  But  an'  if  an  old 
man's  broken  record  of  fome  events  that  will 
never  die  out  of  his  mind  while  memory  lafts, 
can  afford  you  a  little  plcafure,  I  may  well 
effay  to  fupply  them,  for  the  fake  of  the  plea- 
fant  hour  we  have  had  together. 

I  thanked  him  warmly  and  took  him  at  his 
word.  Then,  after  fome  little  arrangement 
how  the  manufcript  Pnould  be  fent  me,  we 
parted  like  the  befi  of  friends. 

Jafper  remarked  that  the  rain  had  now 
ceafed  ;  and  indeed,  as  I  picked  my  way  down 
the  foaked  Avenue,  where  the  old  track  was 
fcarce  difcernable  for  weeds,  I  obferved  with 
delight  that  e'en  the  minutefi  leaf,  bud,  and 
blade  of  grafs,  fparkled  in  the  fun  as  if  befet 
with  diamonds. 

Returned  to  the  poor  Inn  where  I  fup,  I 
have  cheated  the  elfe  heavy  time  during  a 
recurrence  of  the  fummer  florm,  by  fetting 
down  thefe  particulars  as  a  fort  of  prologue 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew.  25 

to  the  old-world  narrative  I  hope  foon  to 
lend  you.  Till  then,  I  lay  afide  thefe  leaves 
and  releafe  my  thoughts  from  the  Deferted 
Houfe. 


postscriptum. 

Old  Friend, 

Years  have  paffed  by  fince  I  penned 
thefe  nearly  forgotten  pages.  The  old  man 
feemed  to  have  failed  of  his  promife  ;  but  I 
did  him  injuftice,  for  his  manufcript  hath  juft 
come  to  hand,  after  many  delays  and  mif- 
chances  by  the  way.  With  regard  to  it,  I 
may  fay,  He,  being  dead,  yet  fpeaketh.  It  is 
even  fo  ;  Maftcr  Moldwarp,  after  attaining 
extreme  old  age,  hath  gone  to  his  reft.  His 
works  will  follow  him  :  his  good  deeds  to  tef- 
tify  in  his  favour  ;  his  writings  will  refolve 
'emfelves  to  duft  like  his  poor  body.  What 
need  to  covet  this  world's  immortality,  when 
the  other  and  better  imperifliable  life  is  in 
queflion  }  You  yourfelf  feem  to  feel  fome- 
thing  of  this,  judging  by  the  neglect  to 
which    you    have    configned    your     admired 

2 


26 


The  Faire  Gofpeller. 


works,  without  giving  them  even  a  revife, 
This,  I  think,  you  owe  the  World,  that  will 
not  confent  to  let  them  die.  Howbeit,  if  you 
will  not  hear  Mafter  Jonfon  on  this  head,  you 
are  not  likely  to  hear  me. 

The  old  man's  tale  is  different  from  what  I 
had  expected — I  doubt  your  making  any  ufe 
of  it  :  yet,  funning  yourfelf  in  the  pleached 
alleys  of  New  Place,  or  feated  within  your 
parlour  lattice,  with  pippins  and  carraways  on 
the  table,  it  may  beguile  the  half-hour  after 
dinner,  when  you  happen  to  be  free  from  the 
importunity  of  a  gueft. 


NOTES    POUR   SERVYR 

SET    DOWN    BY    Ye    UNWORTHIE    PEN    OF 
NICHOLAS    MOLDWARP,    B.A. 


SECTION  I. 

How  we  lojl  07ir  loved  Lady. 

N  olde  Mafs  Prieft,  hight  Sir  Mau- 
rice, a  man  much  beloved  and  of 
moft  fweet  conditions,  was  chaplain 
and  confeffor  to  the  right  worlhipful 
and  my  fmgular  good  Mafter,  Sir  William 
Afkew  of  Stallingboro',  Lincolnfliire,  Knight. 
Thinking  he  perceived  in  me  good  Promife, 
— for,  though  but  Houfe  Steward's  fon,  a  love 
of  Letters  had  been  born  in  me — he  induced 
the  noble  Knight  firft  to  put  me  to  School, 
and  then  to  fend  me  to  Cambridge. 

As  a  mere  Boy,  I  had  lived  at  our  Farm, 
but  was  continuallie  at  the  Hall  for  fomething 
or  other,  and  on   pleafant   footing  with  the 


28  The  Fa  ire  Gojpeller, 

young  Folk.  There  were  Mafter  Francis, 
Mafter  Edward,  Mafter  Roger,  Milirefs 
Patty,  Miflrefs  Anne,  and,  Mifcrefs  Joan. 
Sir  William  liked  to  have  me  about  Mafter 
Francis  (feveral  years  my  junior),  in  theiiope 
I  might  make  him  more  bookifh  :  and  oft- 
times  we  went  a  fi  filing  together.  This 
reminds  me  of  a  little  Trait  that  amufed  me 
at  the  time,  and  was  brought  ftronglie  back 
to  me  long  afterwards. 

I  was  bird-nefting  one  fide  a  Hedge,  on 
the  other  fide  of  which  Mafter  Francis  and 
little  Miftrefs  Anne  were  in  the  Home-clofe, 
gathering  Crowfoot  and  Trefoil  for  their  Pet 
Lamb.  Kine  were  feeding  in  the  Meadow, 
and  prefentlie  Miftrefs  Anne  sayth  : 

"  Frank,  the  big  Bull's  looking  at  us." 

"Never  mind,"  quod  he  carelefflie,  "keep 
your  eye  on  him,  and  he  won't  run  at  you." 

But,  anon,  looking  up  himfelf,  and  feeing 
the  Bull  draw  near,  he  o'  sudden  took  Panic 
and  fled  for  his.  Life,  and  vaulted  over  the 
flyle,  leaving  the  brave  little  Mayd  facing  the 
Bull  as  he  had  bidden  her,  I  made  no  moe 
ado,  but  cleared  the  ftyle  the  next  moment, 
and  caught  her  out  of  danger.  When  I 
afked  her  "  Were  ye  not  feared .-' "  flie  made 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJIcew.  2g 

anfwer,  "  A  little,  but  Frank  told  mc  there 
was  no  Peril  if  I  faced  it."  When  I  afked 
Mafter  Francis  how  his  praclice  came  to  be 
fo  diverfe  from  his  precept,  he  looked  con- 
fufed,  but  did  not  fay. 

I  was  fifteen  yeares  old  when  I  entered  St. 
John's  College,  Cambridge.  The  univerfity 
roll  was  at  that  time  full  of  great  Names. 
My  tutor  was  Hugh  Fitzherbert,  Fellow 
of  St.  John's,  who,  with  his  fvvorn  friend 
Pember,  defpifed  not  my  youth,  but  incited 
me  to  prefs  forward  in  the  Race  that  was  fet 
before  me.   • 

By  applying  to  my  Studies  with  all  Dili- 
gence, I  took  my  Bachelor's  Degree  at  the 
age  of  Eighteen,  which  was  accounted  early. 
I  had  good  hope  of  a  Fellowlhip  before 
Twenty.  But  a  Squinancy  in  my  Throat 
left  fuch  a  weaknefs  behind  it  as  prevented 
all  hope,  for  the  time  being,  of  my  Lecturing 
or  fpeaking  in  Publique  ;  and  this  difappoint- 
ment,  together  with  fome  Difcountenance 
from  Do6lor  Medcalfe,  who  held  me  too  much 
led  away  by  what  was  termed  "  the  new 
learning,"  and  therefore  warned  all  the  Fel- 
lows not  to  be  fo  bold  as  to  give  me  their 
Voyce  in  the  Ele6lion — fo  affe6led  my  Health 


30  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

and  diflcmpered  my  Spirits,  as  that  I  was 
forced  to  return  home  to  be  nurfed,  having 
been  abfent  from  it  three  years.  And  there- 
after, Sir  William  made  me  keeper  of  his 
Book-room. 

'Tis  pity,  o'  my  Life,  when  narrow  Means 
mate  wide  Afpirings.  Sir  William's  Means 
were  not  narrow,  for  a  Countrie  Gentleman 
dwelling  on  his  own  Eftate  ;  but  acquaint- 
ance with  a  too  luxurious  Court  had  greatly 
flraitened  him.  He  had  attended  King 
Henry  the  Eighth  to  the  Field  of  Cloth  of 
Gold,  with  as  faire  an  equipage  and  retinue  as 
any  Knight  in  Lincolnfhire  could  have  boaft- 
ed.  But  he  paid  dear  for  his  fhort  Glorye.  I 
need  not  remind  ye  that  the  nobilitie  and 
gentry  of  England  and  France  vyed  with 
each  other  on  that  Occafion  in  lavifh  Ex- 
penfe.  Many  of  'em  involved  themfelves  in 
great  Debts,  and  were  not  able  by  the  Penury 
of  all  theire  after  Lives,  to  repair  the  coft  of 
that  vaine  .Splendour  of  fo  fhorte  Duracion. 

Sir,  it  was  thus  with  Sir  William.  1,  hen 
he  returned  to  Stallingboro',  all  the  ct-'inty 
Gentry  flocked  about  him  to  heare  how  and 
about  it,  and  there  was  much  Feafling,  much 
Entertayniug,    much    Caroufing,    and    much 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew.  31 

Jefting  that  was  not  convenient.  All  the 
while,  Sir  William  had  a  Thorn  in  his  heart 
that  he  mafked  under  a  fmiling  face  ;  and 
when  the  Round  was  run,  and  we  fettled  into 
our  Places  agayn,  he  took  a  ftrict  account  of 
his  Houfehold  and  Eftate,  to  fee  how  he 
could  retrench,  and  his  Retinue  was  di- 
minifhed,  and  timber  was  cut  down,  and  land 
was  fold,  and  the  tables  were  mul6led  of 
certayn  Meates,  and  Scambling-days  came 
not  onlie  in  Lent,  and  oftener  than  on  Mon- 
days and  Saturdays.  I  ufed  full  oft  to  fee  the 
Chequirroills,  and  I  remember  the  Servants 
were  to  have  no  Board  Wages  in  thofe  Days, 
they  went  about  their  own  Bufmeffe,  and 
Chickens  were  onlie  to  be  ferved  at  Sir 
William's  Mefs,  and  Woodcocks  to  be  bought 
at  a  Penny  a-piece  at  the  moft,  and  Sea  Pies 
at  principall  Feafbs  and  no  other,  and  the 
fame  with  Herons  and  Cranes,  and  Pygges 
not  to  coft  more  than  iv^.  or  vd.  That  was 
the  old  Rule  ;  and  if  the  Caterer  raifed  the 
Prices  of  his  Stuff  otherwife  than  he  was 
wont  to  do,  he  was  to  be  reafoned  with  upon 
it.  But  now,  fmall  Birdes  were  not  to  come 
to  table  at  all,  fave  fuch  as  we  fnared  our- 
felves,  and  no  white  Salt  was  to  be  ufed,  fave 


32  TJie  Faire  Go/pt'ller, 

for  Sir  William's  Mefs,  and  no  Lambs  be 
bought,  when  dear,  e'en  for  the  firft  Mefs, 
nor  yet  Stockfifh  we  wanted  not,  for  its 
cheapnefs  ;  all  Beer  to  be  brewed  in  the 
Iloufe,  all  Bread  made  in  the  Bakehoufe,  all 
Vinaigre  made  of  ye  broken  Wines  ;  and 
Leathern  not  Earthen  Jacks  ufed  by  the  Men 
for  drinking.  In  fine,  I  think  Sir  William 
would  ha'  been  glad,  had  we  been  created 
without  mouths,  like  the  AJloini,  that  People 
of  whom  Pliny  fpeaks  :  not  but  what  I  hold 
that  ftory  to  be  P^able  or  P'ancy,  derived, 
maybe,  from  their  covering  the  lower  part  of 
their  Faces. 

Now,  all  this  fkimping  proceeded  from  an 
honeft,  honourable  defire  in  Sir  William,  to 
pay  his  Debts  and  recover  his  Independence, 
wherefore  we  did  not  mind  it  much,  at  leaft 
I  did  not,  though  it  hurt  me  for  my  Father 
to  be  fo  hauled  over  the  Coals  as  he  often 
was. 

This  was  the  ftate  of  Houfekeeping  ftill 
carrying  on  when  I  became  one  of  the  Houfe- 
hold  ;  but  we  were  all  mighty  happy  in  our 
feverall  fafliions  ;  for  in  truth.  Ill-humours 
could  fcarcc  abide  where  my  Lady  was,  fo 
fweet  and  gracioufe  was  her  nature.     But  I 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJhew.  33 

noted  a  Penfivenefs  on  her  dear  face  it  had 
ne'er  worn  before,  which  I  now  think  arofe 
from  a  Prefcience  of  her  Fate.  She  was  very 
kind  to  me  ;  woulde  prefcribe  Honey  and 
Borax  for  my  Throat,  and  divers  Syrops  and 
Emollients.  Some  travelled  Perfonage  had 
told  her  of  the  wondrous  fair  Gardens  in 
Italy  ;  and  one  of  her  Delices  was  to  work 
out  her  pretty  fantafies  on  the  old  Pleafance, 
wherein  I  oft  affifted  her  with  my  Mathe- 
matiques  in  laying  out  Geometrical  Figures. 
Sometimes  flie  would  fay,  "  If  I  had  your 
ready  Pen,  Nicholas,  I  would  work  it  out  on 
Paper." 

Sir  William  had  loved  to  humour  her 
hitherto,  and  had  gone  to  much  expenfe  for 
Lapidary-work  ;  but  now,  when  flie  wiflied 
for  a  Fountain,  he  fayd,  "In  a  word,  my 
Love,  it  may  not  be  afforded.'"  She  uttered 
not  a  word  of  Difappointment,  but  quietlie 
counter-ordered  fome  adornments  flie  had 
intended  for  her  Grotto  ;  and  I  believe  the 
bought  not  fo  much  as  a  kerchief  or  quoiffure 
from  that  moment,  but  made  thofe  (he  had 
by  her,  ferve. 

In  a  little  while,  flie  was  fnatchcd  from  us  ; 
leaving  in  her  place  a  little,  wawling  Infant 

2* 


34  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

The  Mow  fell  on  us  like  a  Thunder-clap : 
the  checrfulle  Manfion  became  a  Funebral 
Maufoleum.  The  Chamber  flie  had  died  in 
was  fhuttered  and  locked  up  :  that  which  Sir 
William  adopted  in  its  ftead  was  the  difmal- 
left  in  the  Houfe.  In  place  of  Mirrours  and 
pleafant  Pidlures,  it  had  a  Skull  and  Croff- 
bones,  a  Relic  or  two,  and  a  Spanifli  painting 
of  the  Martyrdom  of  St.  Lawrence.  In  this 
Chamber  Sir  William  long  time  immured 
himfelf,  macerating  his  body  with  long  fafting, 
breaking  his  reft  with  untimeous  vigils,  fo  that 
he  became  more  like  a  Spe6lre  than  a  Man. 

All  this  partook  of  a  humorous  Mellan- 
cholie  which  the  good  Chaplain  Sir  Maurice 
called  moft  unwholefome.  The  Houfe  was  fo 
dulled  by  it,  that  Mafter  Francis,  now  fifteen, 
was  the  lefs  loath  to  go  to  Cambridge,  albeit 
with  little  turn  for  fludy.  His  younger 
brothers  were  left  pretty  much  to  their  own 
devices,  with  the  Gamekeepers  or  in  the 
Stables  ;  the  little  Ladies  were  fecluded  out 
of  fight  in  the  Nurfery  ;  which  we  greatly 
deplored,  becaufe  their  pretty  voices,  though 
like  to  pierce  the  Father's  Heart  at  firfl,  would 
have  fed  a  fwcet  Humanity,  and  foon  have 
proven  his  greateft  Solace. 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew.  35 

After  fome  weeks,  however,  Sir  William 
took  order  for  a  better  difpoficion  of  his 
Houfehold.  Miftrefs  Patty  was  fetched  away 
by  one  of  her  Aunts,  who  thenceforth  brought 
her  up  :  and  Sir  William's  bewidowed  Sifter, 
Miftrefs  Britain,  came  to  rule  over  his  houfe, 
bringing  her  onlie  Son,  Mafter  Edmund,  to 
take  '^he  run  of  the  houfe  with  his  Coufins. 

And  now,  little  pattering  feet  would  agayn 
find  their  way  into  the  Book-room,  and  when 
Sir  William  went  forth  to  ride,  his  abfence 
xnight  be  known  by  the  fhrieks  of  Laughter 
at  being  tickled  and  chafed  about,  that  rang 
through  the  Houfe.  I  was  ftudying  hard  at 
that  time,  maftering  fundrie  living  Languages, 
but  oft-times  I  fet  my  Books  afide  to  fport  with 
the  Children  and  tell  them  ftoryes  ;  while 
Miftrefs  Britain  was  bufy  in  the  Store-room 
or  Stille-room,  or  overfeeing  the  Kitchen 
from  the  little,  latticed  Gallery. 

Shortlie  thefe  Joculations  were  held  to  have 
paffed  bounds.  Sir  William  fummoned  me  to 
him  one  day,  and  thus  befpake  me : — 

*'  Nicholas,  there  is  a  way  in  which  thou 
mayft  make  thyfelf  a  little  lefs  unprofitable  to 
me.  The  children  are  growing  miforderly, 
they  are  old  enough  now  to  apply  to  regular 


36  TJie  Faire  Gofpdlcr, 

tal'kes.  See  to  it,  therefore,  that  they  hence- 
forth come  to  thee  for  tutoring.  Even  Miftrefs 
Anne  is  equal  to  her  Letters." 

'Twas  fourly  fpoken  ;  but  never  was  office 
more  readiHe  accepted.     I  fayd — 

"  Sir  WilHam,  to  perform  your  beheft  will 
be  the  greateft  of  pleafure  to  me,"  and  bowed 
lowlie  before  him. 

"  See  ye  fpoil  them  not,"  fayd  he  fternly. 
"  You  muft  have  a  little  rod." 

"Very  well,  Sir,"  fayd  I,  knowing  that  an' 
I  had  fayd  I  trufted  there  would  be  no  neede, 
he  would  have  fupplyed  one  himfelf,  and  a 
thick  one. 

"  I  was  not  half  whipt  myfelf,"  added  he, 
as  I  turned  to  go.  "  Had  I  been  better  cor- 
rected, as  a  boy,  I  had  been  a  better  man." 

"  We  all  need  correction  fometimes,  Sir," 
fayd  I  mildlie  : — on  my  life,  only  to  fay  fome- 
thing  infleade  of  nothing. 

"  O  indeed  !  and  pray,  what  corre6lion  do  1 
want  .-• " 

I  ftoode  abafht,  and  fayd,  "  Indeed,  Sir 
William,  I  know  not." 

"  I  fliould  think  fo,"  fayd  he  Ihortly.  Then, 
as  I  quickened  my  pace  toward  the  Door,  he 
called  me  back,  and  fayd  feverely — 


Mijlrejs   Aiinc  AJkeiv.  37 

"  You  do  not  mean  to  imply,  I  fuppole,  thai 
my  great  and  dreadful  Bereavement  was  fent 
as  a  Corre6lion  ? " 

"  No  more,  Sir,"  anfwered  I  deprecatinglie, 
"  than  the  Tower  that  fell  on  the  Galileans." 

"  Good  fo  .  .  .  onlie,  whenever  people  har- 
bour ill  of  me  in  their  Thoughts,  I  had  much 
rather  they  fpake  it  out." 

"  Good  Sir  William  .  .  .  mine  honoured  Pa- 
tron," cried  I,  "  what  call  could  I,  your  moft 
unworthie  Servant,  poffibly  have  to  harbour 
evill  Thoughts  of  one  who  has  onlie  accumu- 
lated Kindneffes  on  me  }  I  fliould  be  of  all 
Men  the  mofl  ungratefuU  !  " 

"  Weil,  I  think  you  would,"  fayd  he,  foften- 
ing.  "  There,  go  now  .  .  .  I've  no  more  to  fay 
Get  you  gone.  And  mind !  don't  forget  the 
rod  ! " 

I  fuppofe  this  was  reiterated  left  I  fliould 
go  away  too  happy.  O  how  diftempered  was 
the  poor  Knight's  mind  !  how  changed  from 
what  it  was  aforetime.  I  found  little  Miftrefs 
Anne  in  the  Book-room,  playing  with  her 
Dolls  ;  which  flie  would  fain  make  me  kifs. 
Then  fhe  got  upon  my  knee,  and  laid  her 
fatin-foft  cheek  next  mine. 

"  The    idea,"  thought  I,  as  I  careffed  her 


*}4 


38  The  Fairc  Gofpcller, 

with  delight,  "  of  fcoring  this  foft  fkin  with 
(Iripes  !  "  And  I  recalled  the  Scriptural  ex- 
[)refl'ion,  "  his  fkin  came  agayn  unto  him, 
like  thejkin  of  a  little  ch  ild. "  A  n  d  agay  n ,  I  fay 
fayth  "  the  Calf,  and  the  young  Lion,  and 
the  Fatling  together,  a/ul  a  little  child  Jliall 
lead  them."  And  agayn  what  fayd  our 
Saviour  ?  "  Of  fuch  is  the  kingdom  of 
Heaven." 

I  was  a  young  Man  then,  I  am  an  old 
Man  now ;  but  I  hold  ftill,  as  I  ever  did, 
that  young  children  are  better  allured  to 
Learning  by  Love  than  Beating.  Obedience 
there  muft  be  ;  that's  the  foundation-flone  of 
all ;  but  that  may  be  obtained  by  a  wife 
Love. 

Thus,  I  aimed  to  draw  rather  than  drive 
my  young  charges  to  their  tafkes  ;  and  did  fo 
A'ith  faire  fuccefs.  The  young  Gentlemen, 
indeede,  were  fomewhat  obflreperous  ;  but 
the  promife  of  a  Story,  or  to  help  them  catch 
a  Trout,  or  bend  their  Bow,  or  make  a  Ball 
for  'em,  ftrengthened  my  hold  on  them 
mightily.  The  Rod,  indeed,  was  made, 
though  never  ufed  ;  at  leaft  by  me.  It  hung 
on  the  wall  like  a  Kite  on  a  Barn-door, 
till   one   unluckie  day,   when    Miftrefs   Anne 


Mijlrefs  Atine  AJkew.  39 

committed  fome  childifh  Mifdemeanour. 
I  believe  flie  would  not  be  wafhed.  Sir 
William,  chancing  to  heare  the  Nurfe's 
angry  tone,  would  know  what  it  meant. 
She  moft  unwifely,  made  the  worft  of  it ; 
whereon  he,  without  a  word  of  reafoning  or 
commard  (the  child  would  have  minded 
him,  X'  ly  on't)  and  without  deferring  the 
matte/  to  Miftrefs  Britain,  whofe  province  it 
properly  was,  ftrides,  black  as  night,  to  the 
Boot'  -room,  takes  down  the  dufty  rod,  and  in 
a  lit'ile  while  I  heard  a  fhrilly  wail.  Ah,  it 
fmote  rny  heart !  Mafter  Britain,  who  was 
conflruing  to  me,  flopped  fhort.  When  Sir 
William  went  out,  I  fayd  to  the  lad,  "  Go 
and  comfort  her."  He  brought  her  in,  all 
bedabbled  with  tears. 

Children's  woes  are  foon  comforted  .  .  . 
prefently  they  were  at  play  in  the  garden. 
Sir  William  thought  he  had  done  well. 
Perhaps  he  had — Eli  was  a  good  old  Prieft, 
but  he  kept  not  his  fons  in  the  right  path. 
But  fee  here — It  had  been  better  the  Rod 
had  never  been  made.  For  when  we've 
made  a  thing,  our  fingers  itch  to  ufe  it.  We 
think  it  no  good  hanging  by  the  Wall. 


SECTION    II. 

How  we  came  by  our  new  Lady. 

FTER  this,  Miftrefs  Anne  was 
duteous,  obedient,  forgiving,  and 
loving ;  but  fhe  had  a  dread  of  her 
Father  ihe  knew  not  before.  Sometimes, 
though  rarehe,  he  would  carefs  her,  and 
fhe  would  fweetly  return  his  carefs  ;  but  not 
as  file  would  fly  up  to  me,  even  till  a  big 
girl  of  feven  or  eight ;  hugging  and  kiffnig 
me  till  I  was  fain  to  bid  her  defift.  She 
obeyed ;  but  with  a  droll  look  ;  making  as 
though  fhe  were  going  to  kifs  me,  and  then 
turning  off.  For  fhe  could  be  very  droll 
and  waggifli,  could  Miftrefs  Anne. 

As  for  Miftrefs  Patty,  fhe  was  getting  her 
education  in  the  houfehold  of  an  honourable 
Lady  much  at  court,  who  had  fundrie  young 
Gentlewomen  in  her  Houfehold,  and  a 
Mother  of  the  Maids  to  have  the  overfight 
of  tliem.  Mewed  up  they  were,  the  moft 
of  their   time,   at    their   tapeflry   and   otlier 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJJceiv.  41 

work ;  and  full  glad,  for  Diverfion,  to  get 
their  Icffons  in  Mufique  and  Dancing  ;  but 
it  was  held  a  fpeciall  privilege  for  them  to 
get  the  training,  with  chance  of  Hufbands 
or  Court  Preferment  afterwards.  How  fuch 
training  and  fuch  preferment  fometimes 
anfwered,  Queen  Anne  Boleyn  and  Queen 
Katherine  Howard  perhaps  might  tell. 

What  better  could  be  done,  Sir .?  Now 
my  Lady  was  gone,  there  was  a  poor  look- 
out for  the  daughters  at  home :  for  Miflrefs 
Britain,  great  in  a  Sick-room  or  Still-room 
or  Wardrobe,  had  never  trained  young  Gen- 
tlewomen. As  for  the  young  Gentlemen, 
when  their  time  came,  they  learnt  for  to  ride 
comely,  run  fair  at  the  ring,  (hoot  with  bow 
and  with  gun,  and  play  at  all  weapons  ;  vault 
their  own  height,  race,  wreftle,  fwim  ;  hawk, 
hunt,  play  at  tennis  and  bowls  ;  of  the  re- 
fpeaive  proper  Teachers  ;  all  of  which  took 
them  for  the  mofl  part  of  their  time,  ye  will 
fee,  out  of  my  fight ;  or  when  they  came  in 
to  conftrue  a  little,  they  would  be  out  of 
breath  and  in  a  heat,  and  fmelling  of  the 
Stable  ;  and  I  grieve  to  fay  they  learned 
ftable  talk  and  liable  oaths  more  deftly  than 
Latin  and  Greek.     Mafter   Edmund  Britain, 


42  The  Faire  Gofpcller, 

indeed,  was  fleady  to  his  Book,  for  he  had 
his  way  to  make  in  the  world  and  knew  it. 
He  was  a  pleafant,  compofed,  confcientioiis 
Lad,  whofe  good  points  were  not  fully  efti- 
mated  by  his  coufins. 

Every  year  I  vifited  Cambridge,  to  im 
prove  my  parts,  keep  up  old  friendfliips  and 
borrow  books.  Often  I  was  preffed  to  re- 
main there  and  ftudy  for  a  fellowfliip,  but 
the  defire  had  ceafed  within  me  ;  I  loved  my 
Book-room  beft.  To  me,  in  return,  came 
now  and  then  fome  fellow-ftudent,  dufly  and 
foot-fore,  whom,  as  Sir  William  difliked  not 
the  reputation  of  a  fmall  Mecaenas,  I  was 
privileged  to  entertayn  ;  and  thus,  through 
the  loophole  of  retirement  I  got  infight  into 
what  was  paffing  in  the  world  ;  wherein 
Doctor  Martin  Luther  was  beginning  to 
make  a  ftir. 

In  my  learn'd  and  peacefull  feclufion  I  alfo 
had  leifure  to  carry  on  lengthened  correfpon- 
dences  with  college  friends  on  the  fubjeCts 
then  ftirring  men's  minds  ;  and  becaufe  oi 
my  acquirement  of  the  German  tongue 
(which  was  more  by  the  Eye  than  the  Ear, 
wherefore  I  could  read  it  better  than  fpeak 
it),  from  time  to  time  a  friend  would  fend  me 


Mijlrefs   Aime  AJkew.  43 

a  German  treatife  to  tranflate  ;  the  which 
fometimcs  brought  money  into  my  purfe, 
though  I  mainly  did  it  for  love. 

Thefe  works  were  in  fome  inftances,  thofe 
of  Martin  Luther,  which  I  naturally  perufed 
with  that  fond  attention,  which  truth,  accom- 
panied by  novelty,  ufually  commands.  How 
frefh  and  forcible  they  were.  Sir !  though  on 
What  ye  may  pleafe  to  term  fuch  hacknied 
fubjefts.  But  Truth  Divine  can  ne'er  grow 
old  ;  and  here  were  what  we  had  been  accuf 
tomed  to  count  for  truths,  and  let  pafs  as 
fuch,  proven  to  be  no  truths  at  all,  when  fet 
face  to  face  with  Scripture.  The  fophiftry 
of  the  Schools  thus  began  to  be  lefs  efteemed, 
and  Scripture  itfelf,  like  a  mighty  Rock  and 
unfliakeable,  to  become  more  and  more  re- 
vealed as  the  tide  of  thofe  idle  waves  receded 
from  it  that  had  vainly  threatened  to  fwallow 
it  up. 

Many  ingenious  perfons  were  now  dili- 
gently bringing  all  things  to  the  teft  of  the 
Bible,  to  afcertain  whether  they  really  had 
warrant  therein ;  and  thefe  ftudents  were 
known  in  the  univerfities  by  the  cognomen 
of  Scriptnrijls,  whereof  Thomas  Cranmer  was 
one. 


44  The  Fo.irc  Gofpcllcr, 

He,  then  a  young  hufband,  and  the  fon  of 
a  country  gentleman  in  Nottinghamfhire,  had 
given  more  evidence  at  firft  of  eminence  in 
manly  fports  than  in  polemics.  For  no  man 
could  better  manage  a  pack  of  hounds,  or 
ufe  the  crofs-bow  or  long-bow  with  better 
aim.  His  father  dying  early,  his  mother  fent 
him  at  fourteen  to  Cambridge,  where  he  may 
be  fayd  to  have  wafted  ten  years  in  puerilities. 

But  after  the  death  of  his  young  wife,  with 
whom  he  had  onlie  enjoyed  one  year's  mar- 
ried happinefs,  he,  being  of  better  mood  than 
Sir  William  Afkew,  did  betake  himfelf  to  pro- 
fitable ftudy,  inftead  of  to  afcetic  mortify  ca- 
tions. Whereby  it  came  that  he  benefited 
both  himfelf  and  others  ;  for  he  became  a  po- 
pular Le6lurer  at  Magdalen  College,  and  his 
leftures  being  chiefly  dire6led  againft  the 
fuperflitions  of  the  Romifh  Church,  caufed 
more  and  more  light  to  pierce  through  the 
long-eftablifhcd  darknefs. 

I  need  not  trace  here.  Sir,  how  he  pro- 
ceeded, ftep  by  ftep,  refufing  any  ftudent  to 
proceed  to  hi?  degree  who  did  not  prove  con- 
verfant  with  the  .  Scriptures.  Many  of  'em 
afterwards  acknowledged  their  obligations  to 
his  care.     Nor  need  I  rehearfe  how  he  came 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkeiv.  45 

into  court-notice  by  a  fo-called  chance  acci- 
dent, King  Henry  happening  to  pafs  a  night 
at  Waltham,  and  fome  of  his  retinue  happen- 
ing to  lodge  in  the  houfe  where  Cranmer  was 
vifiting.  At  fupper,  ye  will  recollecl,  the 
much  vext  queftion  rofe,  Is  it  lawful  to  mar- 
ry a  brother's  widow  ?  Cranmer's  thought  on 
the  fubject,  of  colle6ting  the  opinions  of  all 
the  univerfities  in  Europe,  appeared  to  his 
companions  fo  plaufible,  that  they  reported  it 
to  the  King,  who  defired  to  have  fpeech  of 
him.  And  thenceforth,  as  ye  wit,  he  rofe 
flep  by  ftep,  till  he  attained  the  higheft  emi- 
nence in  the  Church  of  this  realm,  to  be  de- 
graded therefrom  and  receive  the  fiery  crown 
of  martyrdom. 

When,  in  confequence  of  Cranmer's  intro- 
duction to  the  King,  he  was  fent  to  Italy  as 
one  of  the  three  commiffioners,  ye  may  con- 
ceit how  men's  eyes  were  fixed  on  him. 

Moreover,  Wolfey's  commanding  all  men  to 
yield  up  their  copies  of  the  books  of  "  that 
peftilent  heretic,  Martin  Luther,"  under  pain 
of  being  punifhed  as  heretics,  only  increafed 
the  defire  of  people  to  read  them.  Well  I 
wot  I  myfelf  was  oft-times  in  jeopardy  for 
harbouring  thefe  very  works,  which  yet  were 


46  The  Faire  Gofpellery 

fent  to  me  for  tradu6lion  by  notable  pious 
fcholars  at  Cambridge. 

And  before  this,  many  unhappy  perfons 
had  been  brought  before  Wareham  in  the 
Bifhops'  Courts  ;  fome  of  them  for  declaring 
the  Eucharift  to  be  nothing  but  material 
bread,  fome  for  maintaining  that  fundry  of 
the  feven  Sacraments  were  neither  neceffary 
nor  profitable,  otherfome  that  Pilgrimages 
ought  not  to  be  performed,  that  Images  ought 
not  to  be  worfliipped,  that  Prayer  ought  not 
to  be  addreffed  to  the  Saints.  Truly,  they 
were  knocking  away  the  very  ground  from 
under  us !  What  did  they  give  us  in  its 
place  .''     A  ftedfaft  Rock,  even  Chrift. 

When  I  mooted  any  of  thefe  fubje6ls  with 
Sir  Maurice,  he  would  placidly  obferve  that 
"  The  Church  was  an  anvil  that  had  broken 
many  hammers."  But  I  trow  that  fimilitude 
originated  with  the  other  party. 

When  I  told  him  of  an  Obfervantine  Friar, 
of  fingular  piety,  who  admitted  he  had  tried 
the  moft  rigid  rules  of  mortification,  and  yet 
altogether  failed  of  obtaining  peace  and 
affurance — 

"  As  for  affurance,"  quod  the  old  Chaplain 
with  a  fmile,  "  if  you  are  on  the  road,  fay  to 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJknv.  47 

Lincoln,  and  don't  know  it,  ye  are  on  the 
road  to  Lincoln  nothingthelefs.  As  for  Peace 
— fon,  fon  !  it  depends  upon  temperament ! 
Go,  write  your  book,  and  adorn  its  margins 
with  goodly  devices,  emblazoned  with  divers 
colours  !     Credit  me,  ye  fhall  get  peace." 

And  fo  away,  with  his  fweet  look  and  laugh  ; 
but  he  did  not  that  way  fatiffy  me. 

One  day  he  came  in  with  a  look  of  fmiling 
complacence,  and  fayd, 

"  I  have  that  to  unfold  which  will  furprife 
thee." 

"  What  is  it,  Father .-' "  fayd  I,  expe6ling 
fomc  public  news,  fo  little  had  we  of  change 
in  private  life. 

He  anfwered  not  till  he  had  leifurely  feated 
himfelf ;  but  then  fayd,  with  a  twinkle  in  his 
eye — 

"The  Knight  contemplates  a  fecond  mar- 
riage." 

"  Sir  William  !  "  I  exclaimed.    "  To  whom } " 

He  looked  amufed  at  my  aftonifliment, 
and  quietly  anfwered, 

"  Miftrefs  Margery,  the  daughter  of  Sir 
Robert  Hildyard.  I  tell  ye  no  fecret,  my  fon, 
for  he  hath  exprefQy  defired  me  to  reveal  it  to 
the  houfehoM.    Well,  what  have  you  to  obje6l  ? " 


4^  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

"  Nothing,"  I  replied,  "  only  it  came  on  me 
fo  fudden.  Nothing,  if  the  lady  be  good  and 
motherly  to  the  children." 

"Why  fhould  we  doubt  it?"  fayd  Sir 
Maurice.  "  She  is,  I  am  told,  gracioufe  and 
well-conditioned  ;  comely  to  fee,  pleafant  to 
liften  to  ;  in  footh,  a  lady  of  good  favour  and 
a  faithful  daughter  of  the  Church.  Well  por- 
tioned moreover.     What,  then,  lacketh  .-'  " 

"What,  indeed.?"  repeated  I.  "Well,  I 
hope  the  houfe  will  be  the  merrier." 

"  And  the  more  orderly,  too,"  fayd  Sir  Mau- 
rice. "  Miflrefs  Britain  carrieth  a  flack 
rein." 

"  Wc  were  all  very  well  as  we  were,  I 
think,"  fayd  I.  "  Well,  I  wifli  it  may  all  be 
for  the  beft." 

"  Don't  wifli  it,  though,  in  a  tone  as  though 
you  thought  it  might  be  all  for  the  worft," 
rejoined  he,  fmiling. 

"  No,  father,  no." 

By  and  by,  Miftrefs  Anne  ran  in  to  me, 
took  me  by  the  hand,  looked  wiftfuUy  in  my 
face,  and  fayd  in  a  troubled  voice, 

"  Wc  are  ^oing  to  have  a  new  Mother." 

"  Why  not  t  "  fayd  I  gently  "  You  cannot 
remember  the  old  one." 


MiJlrCjL-   Anne  AJkcw.  49 

"  She  was  not  old  ! "  was  the  quick  reply. 
•'  She  never  lived  to  be  old  ;  and  now  flie  is 
where  flie  will  be  young  for  ever." 

"  Sure,  then,  flie  has  the  beft  of  it,"  said  I, 
ftroking  her  head. 

"Yes,  but — Muft  we  love  this  newone.-'" 

"  Certainly  we  muft,"  fayd  I,  "  and  revere 
her  too." 

"  I  did  not  mean  you,  Mafter  Nicholas.  I 
meant  my  brothers  and  fifters  and  I." 

"  Full  fure  you  muft ;  and  now,  hear  me, 
my  little  lady.  This  is  one  of  the  turning- 
points  of  your  life." 

"  Turning-points  }  What  be  they,  Mafter 
Nicholas  .>" 

"  See  here  now.  Ye  are  facing  the  fouthern 
door.  We  will  fuppofe  that  door  leads  to 
goodnefs  and  happinefs.  It  is  in  your  own 
power  to  go  to  it,  and  through  it." 

Then  with  my  hands  on  her  fhoulders,  I 
turned  her  fuddenly  about,  and  fayd,  "  Now 
you  face  that  north  door,  which  only  leads  to 
a  dark  clofet,  where  things  vile  and  refufe  are 
fhut  out  of  fight.  We  will  take  that  to  lead 
to  wrong  and  to  forrow." 

"  Yes,  I  fee.     What  then  .?  " 

"  All  depends,  ye  fee,  on  which  way  you 

3 


5©  TJie  Fa  ire  Goj'pellcr, 

turn,  before  you  ftart  on  your  courfe.  Now, 
if  you,  at  this  prcfent  juncture,  proceed  to 
manifeft  fullennefs,  flubbornnefs,  and  ill-will, 
becaufe  Sir  William  is  about  to  do  what  he 
is  at  perfe6t  liberty  to  do — and  which  he 
thinks,  and  we  may  all  find,  is  a  wife  and  good 
thing — you  will  be  making  ftrait  for  the  dark 
clofet.  If  you  follow  his  will  with  fweet  affec- 
tion, ftrive  to  give  the  Lady  a  duteous  wel- 
come, fludy  to  love  her,  obey  her,  pleafe  her 
as  much  as  you  can — you  will  be  making  for 
the  door  that  leads  to  flowery  paths  and 
bright  funfliine." 

"  But  what  and  if  fhe  will  not  be  pleafed  ?" 

"  Not  pleafed  with  yoii,  my  Joy  ?  If  you 
try  to  pleafe  her,  take  my  word  fhe  will  be 
pleafed — Aye,  and  pleafe  you  too." 

"  Very  well,  then,  I  will,"  faid  fhe,  fetching 
a  figh.     Then,  dancing  off  from  me, — 

"  See,  Mafter  Nicholas  !  I'm  going  through 
the  door  that  leads  to  flowers  and  bright  fun- 
Ihine ! " 

"Always  do  fo,  fweet  Mifl:refs." 

And  as  fhe  opened  the  door,  fure  enough, 
the  bright  Sunlight  poured  in,  and  fhe  dif- 
appeared  in  a  flood  of  glory. 

So  the  wedding  took  place.     Of  courfe  the 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJJcew.  51 

burthen  and  glory  of  it  was  at  the  other 
hoiife — the  hoiife  of  the  bride's  father  ;  but 
we  came  in  for  fome  of  it  too  :  had  cakes  and 
ale,  carolling  and  revelling,  an  ox  roafted 
whole,  fports  on  the  Green,  and  much  gun- 
powder expended.  I  thought  the  knight's 
bravery  fate  fomewhat  cumbroufly  on  him  ; 
he  was  not  fo  ere6l  and  flender-made  as  at 
the  Field  of  Cloth  of  Gold.  Still,  he  was  e'en 
yet  a  fine  figure  of  a  man  ;  of  a  proper 
height ;  thick  without  groffnefs,  his  face 
broad,  ftern,  and  manly  ;  his  eyes  fhining  fit- 
fully from  dark  caverns  ;  his  beard  with 
much  lefs  of  grey  than  of  black  in  it.  And 
when  ye  faw  him  in  his  white  fatin  hofen  and 
coat,  gold  fpurs,  broad  gold  chain,  and  crim- 
fon  velvet  mantle  upborne  by  the  blooming 
lads  his  fons,  truly,  the  Bridegroom  coming 
out  of  his  Chamber  not  ill  reprefented  the 
fun  Shining  forthe  in  his  ftrength. 

So  this  is  how  we  came  by  our  new  Lady. 
Miftrefs  Patty,  too,  came  home  for  a  while, 
and  filled  the  houfe  with  laughter.  Before 
fhe  returned,  Miftrefs  Anne  wondered  much 
what  fhe  would  be  like,  and  how  they  fhould 
refemble  one  another.     I  fayd, 

"  Like  the  Town  and  Country  Moufe." 


52  The  Faire  Gofpeller. 

*'  No  more  than  that  ? "  returned  fhe. 

I  fayd,  "  There  need  not  be  contradi6lory, 
but  may  be  fubcontrary  oppofition." 

"  Oh,  if  you  get  to  your  categories  and 
fyllogifms,  I've  done  with  you,"  fayd  fhe, 
laughing,  and  running  off. 

Not  that  fhe  knew  a  category  from  a  fyllo- 
gifm,  though  I  had  defined  'em  to  her,  but 
fhe  had  picked  up  the  terms. 

When  the  Town-moufe  arrived,  truly  fhe 
did  not  fhamc  Miftrefs  Anne  in  refpect  of 
learning.  She  could  fcarce  write  legibly,  was 
an  ill  fpeller,  and  hefitated  over  a  word  of  four 
fyllables.  Alfo  her  falfe  quantities  were 
marvelloufe. 

But  then,  as  for  dancing,  fhe  could  bound 
and  leap  with  the  greatefl  agility  ;  knew  all 
the  new  figures  and  fteps  ;  could  tell  of  the 
new  fafhions  in  drcfs  ;  thrum  a  little  on  the 
Theorbo  ;  fing  full  fweetly  (but  the  words 
were  not  pretty)  ;  had  been  to  ever  fo  many 
plays  and  mafques,  had  even  performed  a 
child's  part  in  fome  of  them  ;  could  patter 
French  ;  and  fay  her  Latin  prayers,  without 
underflanding  one  word,  or  caring  to  under< 
ftand. 

For  all  this,  I  liked  the  Country  Moufe  better 


STATF  NORMAL  SCHOl, 


-ai. 


SECTION     III. 

Hozv  Sir   IViniam  put  me  in  Charge. 

EW  brooms  fweep  clean.  'Tis  a 
homely  proverb  to  apply  to  a  Lady. 
Ne'erthelefs,  our  new  Lady  cleaned 
us  up  to  that  ftate  of  polifh  that  we 
(hone  again.  Miftrefs  Britain  had  gracefully 
yielded  up  the  keys,  and  returned  to  London, 
though  preffed  to  ftay  :  and  took  with  her 
her  fon  Ned,  whom  I  was  full  forry  to  part 
withal,  the  youngfter  took  to  his  ftudies  fo 
bravelie.  Great  was  the  wail  Miftrefs  Anne 
made  for  him.  "  Oh,  deareft  Ned,  and  muft 
we' part }  "  (this  in  the  Pleached  Alley,  when 
they  wift  not  I  was  in  the  Arbour.)  "  How 
fhall  I  fare  without  thee  .-•  Who  will  correct 
my  Sums  .''  and  help  me  in  parfmg  }  and  tell 
me  the  conjugations  .'" 

"  Nay,  coz,  you  muft  do  all  that  for  your- 
felf  now.  'Tis  expedient  I  fhould  not  be  with 
you  always,  or  you  would  be  but  a  left-hand 
glove  all  your  life.     Your  wit  fliall  now  be  fet 


54  Tlie  Faire  Gofpeller, 

on  new  work."  "  But  I've  none,  Ned  ;  1 
don't  believe  I've  anie  at  all."  "  Oh  yes,  you 
have  ;  a  great  deal  for  a  girl,  onlie  Mafter 
Moldwarp  doefn't  let  you  know  it,  for  fear  it 
fhould  make  you  vain."  "  Why,  whenever  I 
tranflate  fome  dull  epiftle  into  Latin,  he  fay 
'  Tully  would  not  have  done  it  fo.'  "  "  No, 
becaufe  he  knows  the  exact  word  Tully  would 
have  ufed  ;  and  I'll  tell  you  how  he  knows, 
fince  I'm  going  away." — (Oh,  the  villain  !) 
"  Mafter  Moldwarp  takes  a  fhort  epiftle  of 
Tully's,  fuited  to  your  capacity, — fay,  one  of 
thofe  '  to  Terentia,  to  my  deareft  Tullia,  and 
to  my  Son.'  .  .  ." 

.  "  Ah,  I  love  that,"  quoth  Miftrefs  Anne. 
"  I  fhould  like  you  to  write  me  juft  fuch  let- 
ters, Ned,  when  you  get  to  London,  all  full  of 
love  and  grief-—" 

"  Well,  perhaps  I  may  ;  only  you  muft  not 
look  to  have  much  grief.  Nan  ;  becaufe,  you 
fee,  'tis  long  fmce  I  was  in  London — when 
I  was  quite  a  Boy  " — (what  was  he  now  i*) — 
"  and  there'll  be  many  fine  fights  I  fhall  be 
full  fain  to  fee — " 

"  What  be  thofe  fights,  Ned  }  " 

"  Why,  to  fee  the  foldiers  relieve  guard, 
and  to  fee  the   King's  Watch  fet,   and    the 


Mijlrefs  Aiine  AJkew.  55 

Archery  Grounds,  and   the  Playhoiife,  and — 
oh,  I  cannot  tell  the  half." 

"  I  like  not  what  Patty  tells  of  the  Play- 
houfes,"  fays  Miftrefs  Anne,  "  and  you  will 
fee  Patty  often,  Ned,  and  forget  me." 

"  But  I  fwear  I  will  not,"  fays  Ned. 

"  Oh,  Ned,  that's  very  wicked  indeed ! 
Knoweft  thou  not  who  has  fayd,  '  Swear  not 
at  all  V" 

"  But  you  put  me  befide  myfelf,  Nanny. 
You  may  count  on  me  as  your  Friend  as  long 
as  ever  we  live  ;  fo  don't  mifdoubt  me." 

"  Well,  I  will  not :  only  I  fuppofe  you'll 
have  a  wife,  fome  day — " 

"  Yes,  I  fuppofe  I  fliall,  and  then  you  fliall 
come  and  vifit  us.  Then  you  fhall  fee  all  the 
fights  in  London  town.  But  meanwhile  I 
muft  read  hard  for  a  Lawyer,  and  keep  my 
Terms,  and  eat  many  dinners  .  .  ." 

"  That  will  not  be  hard,  if  only  one  a  day." 

"  No,  only  it  will  keep  me  on  the  fpot,  you 
fee ;  and  that's  why  I  muft  eat  them." 

'Twas  worth  a  world  to  hear  their  pretty 
talk,  only  I   was  glad  the  Boy  plighted  not 
himfelf  to  have  her  for  his  Wife,  but  only  for 
his  Vifitor,  to  fee  the  fights  of  London  town 
Boy-like,  he  may  be  hoped  to  do  much  better 


56  The  Fa  ire  Gofpeller, 

for  himfelf  than  that,  without  confideiing  that 
Sir  William  would  look  a  good  deal  higher 
than  the  Law-courts  for  his  daughter. 

So  Mafter  Edmund  went ;  but  not  before  I 
had  fet  him  on  telling  his  coufin,  for  his  fake 
to  flick  to  her  books — and  then,  maybe,  he 
would  think  of  her  in  London.  After  he  was 
gone,  Miftrefs  Anne  was  very  penfive  for  a 
day  or  fo  ;  then  cleared  up,  and  went  to  her 
taflcs  with  zeal.  She  was  now  very  forward 
in  her  Latin,  and  could  conftrue  very  prettily. 

Our  new  Lady  was  of  a  fanguineous  com- 
plexion, faire,  and  frefh-coloured  ;  with  golden 
locks  like  Aurora,  approaching  to  red.  Her 
keen,  grey  eye  faw  everything  at  a  glance,  and 
at  lafl:  fhe  found  me  out  in  my  Book-room. 

"Oh,  what,  here  you  are,  Mafter  Nicholas! 
up  to  the  eyes  in  dufty  books.  Do  the  worms 
get  to  them  much  }  My  father.  Sir  Robert, 
hath  a  copy  of  Gower  that  they  have  pierced 
right  through,  like  as  with  a  gimlet.  Ah, 
here  is  one  they  have  begun  their  work  upon 
— faugh  !  how  mufty  it  fmells.  I  fuppofe  you 
have  a  fet  time  for  dufting  and  airing  them 
all — How  often  .-*  I  Ihould  fay  once  a  quarter 
was  too  feldom.  Are  there  any  Italian  novels 
here  ?     I  read  a  little  Italian.     What  language 


Mijirc/s   Anne  AJJcetu.  57 

are  thefe  books  in  ?  High  Dutch  ?  Ob.  1 
know  not  one  word  .  ,  .  unlefs  faucr  kraut— 
There  are  two  words  for  you  .  .  .  Read  mc  a 
bttle,  that  I  may  bear  the  found  .  .  .  Ha !  .  . 
a  little  more,  an'  it  pleafe  you  ?  Tliat  will  do. 
I  call  it  not  a  pretty  language.  It  pleafes  not 
my  ear :  my  ear  is  very  delicate.  I  can  play 
the  Viol-di-gamba.  What  books  are  thefe.? 
Latin  }     Ob,  I  know  Latin.     A  little,  that  is." 

I  ventured  to  fay  Ladies  were  fo  modelT:, 
they  always  fayd  "  a  little." 

"  But  in  troth,  I  know  but  little.  Come, 
you  fball  bear  me  conftrue  a  fentence  or  two 
.  .  .  There  !  Not  amifs,  was  it '?  "  (She  bad 
made  fome  frightful  miftakes  ;  but  v/bat 
matter  ? )  "  You  keep  Nan  well  to  her  books, 
I  hope  ?  She  is  getting  to  an  awkward  age. 
One  does  not  want  children  always  about, 
pricking  up  their  ears  at  grown-up  talk.  She 
mull;  be  a  good  deal  at  her  needle,  and  at  her 
book.  Ob,  what,  you  write  books,  I  think, 
Mafler  Moldwarp  ?  Some  one  told  me  fo.  Do 
you  get  anybody  to  read  them  ?  Do  you  get 
paid  anything  for  them  ?  My  father  bath  given 
large  fums,  fometimes,  for  Dedications.  There 
was  one  in  Latin  ...  I  forget  bow  it  began. 
I  think  it  was  Anna  virumqne  ^ano  ...   no, 


58  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

Cedant  anna  .  .  .  prettily  turned.  What  are 
you  at  work  upon  now?  German  .again  ? 
Who  wrote  it  ?  Martin  Luther  ?  O,  the 
naughty  man  !  His  books  are  very  unfit,  you 
know  .  .  .  You  muft  never  let  Miil;refs  Anne 
read  them." 

Miftrefs  Anne  then  coming  in,  my  Lady 
called  her  fweetheart  and  precious  :  then,  in 
the  next  breath,  "  Why,  child,  you  have  been 
through  an  Hedge :  what  diibrder  is  this  ? 
your  hair  is  the  abfoluteft  maze :  why  is  it 
only  tied  with  a  ribband  ?  'Twere  beft  cut 
fhort  off — mine  was  cut  ftrait  acrofs  the  fore- 
head, at  your  age  :  and  I  had  a  coif.  You 
muft  have  a  fet  of  little  coifs  too :  they  are 
decent  and  maidenlie." 

So  our  pretty  M.i{\.vek  Annesc/nojnaatn^ata 
was  hidden  under  a  little  linen  cap — but  her 
beauty  could  not  be  hidden  any  way. 

Why  do  I  dally  with  thefe  old,  fond  records  .-* 
Becaufe  of  the  troublous  days  coming. 

Mafler  Francis  had  returned  to  Cambridge. 
He  had  been  fent  thither  full  young,  but  not 
fo  young  but  that  he  was  contrafted  in  mar- 
riage to  Miftrefs  Elizabeth,  fole  daughter 
and  heirefs  of  Mafter  William  Hanfard  of 
South  Kelfey,  which  contracft  he  was  to  fulfil 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  59 

after  that  he  had  been  three  years  at  College 
and  two  years  on  the  Continent  of  Europe. 
;  The  profpeft  of  this  rich  match  pleafed 
Sir  William  mightily,  and  made  him  yet 
more  content  with  my  Lady,  who  had 
helped  to  promote  the  contraft. 

Next  there  was  Mafter  Edward  to  provide 
for ;  but  he  promifed  to  provide  for  himfelf. 
The  toga  was  to  give  place  to  arms  in  his 
cafe  :  he  was  anything  but  bookifli,  and  born 
to  be  a  Soldier.  A  Soldier  he  eventually 
became,  and  a  valiant  one  too :  likewife  a 
Gentleman  Penfioner.  He  was  married,  in 
due  courfe,  to  Miftrefs  Margaret  Gibfon  : — 
but  that's  told  too  foon.  At  the  time  whereof 
I  write,  he  was  a  fpirited  Boy. 

Thirdly,  Mafler  Roger :  he  had  much  ado 
to  keep  ahead  of  Miftrefs  Anne  in  their 
fludies  ;  and  prefently  let  her  overpafs  him. 
Nor  did  he  trouble  himfelf  much  to  regain 
the  loft  ground. 

Now  here  ye  fhall  fee  the  perfe6l  order  and 
daily  courfe  of  this  honourable  Famil}'-.  Mafs, 
to  begin  with,  at  fix  o'  the  clock  ;  a  certain 
portion  of  ftudy  ;  then  Breakfaft ;  then  fludy 
again  ;  afterwards  exercife,  in  the  open  air, 
weather    permitting:    ftudy   again:    Dinner: 


6o  The  Faii'e  Gofpcller, 

eleven  o'  the  clock  till  twelve  foine  open-aii 
paflime  :  Even-fong  at  three  hours  after  noon  ; 
general  talk  in  the  hall,  toward  duik,  round 
the  fire,  during  the  Ihort  days.  Study  again 
Supper,  fix  o'  the  clock  to  feven.  To  bed  at 
nine,  after  Complines. 

Sir,  we  were,  as  times  went,  very  happy : 
in  a  little  Haven  of  quiet  the  troublous  waves 
of  the  world  did  not  reach.  And  yet  there 
were  troubles  and  difturbances  but  a  little 
way  off.  The  Cardinal's  difgrace  and  death, 
the  blow  that  was  ftruck,  through  him,  at  the 
Clergy,  the  affumption  of  fupreme  authority 
by  the  King,  the  imminent  likelihood  of  an 
utter  breach  with  Rome,  filled  men's  minds 
and  mouths  and  led  to  overt  a6lions.  Much 
money  that  was  claimed  by  the  Pope,  for  firfl 
fruits,  and  levied  on  new  Prelates,  was  with- 
held ;  and  it  was  made  law  that  any  cenfures 
paffed  by  his  Holinefs  on  account  of  it,  fhould 
be  difregarded.  Then  there  was  the  mattei 
of  Queen  Katherine's  appeal  going  on  :  the 
King  was  cited  to  appear,  and  went  not. 
Moreover,  he  privately  married  Miftrefs  Anne 
Boleyn,  whether  his  Divorce  fhould  be  gotten 
or  no  :  and  an  act  was  paffed  foi  bidding  all 
appeal  to  Rome,  in  matters  of  marriage,  di- 


Mip-cfs  Anne  AJkew.  6\ 

vorce,  wills,  and  fundry  others.  And  then  the 
King  proceeded  to  divorce  himfelf. 

All  this  weaned  the  people  more  and  more 
from  their  refpecl  for  Papal  authority  ;  and  a 
Bifliop  preached  every  Sunday  at  Paul's  Crofs, 
lo  the  efte6l  that  the  Pope  had  no  authority 
beyond  his  own  diocefe.  The  King  was  de- 
clared fupreme  head  of  the  Church. 

That  brought  Sir  Thomas  More  to  the  block. 
A  good  and  great  man,  Sir,  and  confiftent 
Romanift.  A  great  tide  had  rifen,  and  he 
was  fwept  away  in  it,  ftruggling  againft  it  to 
his  lateft  breath. 

Nobody  knowing  what  lengths  the  King 
would  go,  everybody  believed  their  own  hopes. 
Heretics  for  a  while  were  not  perfecuted :  the 
books  that  had  ftolen  acrofs  the  Channel  and 
been  tranllated,  were  read  and  canvaffed 
everywhere.  Tindal's  tranflation  of  the  Bible 
did  more  than  all  the  reft. 

When  Bilney  was  martyred,  Miftrefs  Anne 
came  to  me,  looking  very  white.  I  fayd, 
"What  is  it,  fweet  Miftrefs.?"  She  fayd, 
•'  Mafter  Kyme  hath  come  over  to  play 
fhuffle-board,  but  chiefly,  I  think,  to  tell  my 
father,  with  gloomy  joy,  that  Mafter  Bilney  is 
burnt." 


62  TIic  Faire  Go/pdler, 

When  I  heard  this,  I  wept,  and  fayd,  "I 
knew  hull  well  at  Cambridge.  Alas,  my 
brother ! "  She  took  my  hand  in  both  hers 
— flie  was  about  fourteen  then — and  fayd, 

"  Weep  not,  for  ruth,  Mafter  Nicholas." 

I  fayd,  "  I  weep  for  ruth,  at  his  ruthlefs 
end.  Tell  me  what  they  fayd  of  him — ?" 
drying  my  eyes. 

"  That  would  only  pain  you,  but  I  will 
tell  you  what  he — Thomas  Bilney,  fayd.  He 
had  thefe  words  of  the  prophet  Ifaiah  in  his 
mouth,  '  When  thou  walkeft  through  the 
fire,  thou  flialt  not  be  burned.'  Are  they 
true,  think  ye  .-*  " 

"  As  truth  itfelf,  Miftrefs." 

"  But  Jie  was  burned  !  " 

"  In  the  vulgar,  material  fenfe,  but  what 
then .''  The  fire  only  confumed  his  body  as 
ftubble,  while  his  Spirit  foared  upward  like 
Elijah  in  the  fiery  chariot.  Our  Saviour 
fayd  thefe  words — '  Fear  not  them  that  can 
deftroy  the  body,  but  afterward  have  no 
more  that  they  can  do.  I  will  tell  }ou 
whom  ye  fhall  fear.  Fear  Him  who,  after 
that  He  hath  killed  the  body,  hath  power  to 
caft  into  hell.'  That  is  God.  Believeft  thou 
this.?" 


Mijlrefs   Anne  Afkcw.  63 

"  I  cannot  choofe  but  believe  it  !  though 
Mafter  Kyme  thinks  he  is  gone  to  torment. 
He  feems  glad  of  it,  Mafter  Nicholas  ! — is  not 
that  bad  of  him  ?     I  diflike  him  fo  !  —  " 

Then  flie  prefently  added,  "  The  wind,  as 
though  in  pity,  blew  the  flames  from  him 
feveral  times  ;  but  they  only  heaped  the  reeds 
and  fagots  the  more  about  him,  he  fometimes 
crying  out,  '  Jefus  ! '  at  other  times, '  Credo,'  to 
the  very  laft." 

"  Why,  then,  the  Soul  was  viftorious  over 
the  Body,"  cried  I.  "  Heaven  be  praifed  for  it. 
Depend  on  it,  Jefus  never  let  him  call  on  Him 
that  way,  without  anfwering.     He  never  does." 

"  Do  you  think  you  could  bear  to  be  mar- 
tyred .' " 

"  I  hope  I  fliall  never  be  tried." 

"  I'm  fure  I  hope  fo  too,"  fayd  flie,  deeply 
fighing,  "  for  you  and  myfelf  too.  I'll-  tell  you 
what  I  think,  Mafter  Nicholas  !  I  know  not 
that  I  am  brave  enough  to  bear  burning,  but 
I  think  I  could  make  bold  to  fay,  in  a  great 
matter  of  right  and  wrong,  that  which  fliould 
procure  me  burning." 

"  May  you  never  be  tried — Come,  let  us 
read  a  little  together."  And  I  took  up 
Horace,  at  his  tenth  Ode. 


64  The  Faire  Gofpellcr, 

"  One  nuift  take  care,  though,"  purfiied 
fhe,  "  that  one's  Judgment  is  not  in  fault. 
Elfe,  one  might  be  burnt  for  the  fake  of  a 
fuppofed  Truth,  which,  after  all,  was  not 
true." 

"Jufl;  fo,"  fayd  T,  for  I  had  no  warrant  to 
unfettle  her,  and  had  been  accuftomed,  when 
fhe,  as  a  child,  would  afk  me  this  and  that, 
as  children  will,  to  tell  her,  "  That  is  too 
grown-up  for  you  as  yet."  But  this  would 
hardly  do  now,  for  her  mind  was  expanding 
every  day,  and  ripening  faft,  and  flie  could 
not  always  be  evaded.  Sometimes  I  fayd, 
"  Go,  inquire  of  Sir  William,"  or  "  Go,  afk  Sir 
Maurice."  "  Nay,  but,"  fhe  would  anfwer, 
"you  trow  Sir  William  never  likes  or  will 
anfwer  fuch  matters.  All  I  fliould  get  would 
be  a  frown,  and  maybe,  a  pulh  or  a  cuff.  As 
for  dear  old  Sii  Maurice,"  and  fhe  laughed  in 
my  face,  "you  know  I  fhould  get  no  anfwer 
from  J  limy 

"Well,  well  then,  Miftrefs,  ye  mufl  ftudy 
logic,  that  by  acquiring  folid  powers  of  reafon- 
ing  ye  may  be  able  to  folve  all  hard  queftions, 
like  Solomon  himfelf" 

"  So  I  will  then,"  fayd  fhe,  "  though  I  fhall 
never  be  a  Solomon." 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkciv.  65 

"In  truth,  the  more  we  know,  the  more  we 
find  that  we  do  not  and  cannot  know." 

"  Then  where's  the  good  of  going  onward  ? " 

"  Becaufe  a  bleffing  commonly  attends  on 
thofe  who,  by  reafon  of  ufe,  have  their  fenfes 
exercifed  to  difccrn  both  good  and  evil." 

"  Is  that  a  Scripture  phrafe  .'' " 

"  The  latter  part  is." 

"  Show  it  me,  that  I  may  fee  it  myfelf." 

Thus  we  ufed  to  be  drawn  to  the  very 
verge  of  dangerous  ground. 

One  day,  Sir  William  fummoned  me. 

"  Moldwarp,"  fayd  he  with  fome  abruptnefs, 
"  wouldft  thou  like  to  make  acquaintance  with 
foreign  parts  } " 

"  Certes,  I  Ihould,"  feyd  I  with  a  dart. 

"  But  haft  thou  fufficient  maftery  of  con- 
tinental tongues  to  make  thy  way  ?  " 

"  My  accent  is  doubllefs  defective,  but  yet 
I  could  make  myfelf  underftood — which  is  to 
fay,  in  German,  French,  and  Italian." 

"  That  will  do.  You  know  fomething  of 
foreign  monies  .<* " 

"  I  have  acquainted  myfelf  with  their  com- 
parative values." 

"  Know  the  difference  between  a  doit  and 
a   lucat,  ha  ! — Frank   is   hanging   about  and 


66  TJie  Faire  GofpcUef, 

doins:  no  frood.  I  want  to  fend  him  abroad 
till  he  marries.  He  would  be  the  better  of  a 
companion  who  had  at  leaft  a  fmattering  of 
the  fpoken  tongues,  and  fomc  knowledge  of 
the  monies.  Of  geography  alfo,  and  hiftory, 
and  what  is  worth  noting.  You  think  your- 
felf  equal  to  this  .'' " 

"  You  fhould  hardly  afk  me,  Sir  William. 
My  Inclinations  may  prompt  me  to  too  pro- 
mifing  an  anfwcr  ;  but  I  will  perform  to  the 
boft  of  my  Ability." 

"  Enough  fayd.  Your  route  is  drawn  out 
and  papers  provided  ;  with  letters  commenda- 
tory and  bills  of  exchange.  Keep  the  boy 
out  of  mifchief  and  write  to  me  once  a 
month.  You  have  nothing  to  do  but  pack 
up  and  pack  off.  I  hope  you  will  enjoy 
yourfelves." 

I  was  elated  beyond  meafure  ;  firfl,  at  being 
treated  with  fuch  confidence  and  refponfi- 
bility  ;  next,  at  the  profpe6t  of  the  fcenes  be- 
fore me.  In  fact  I  was  a  young  man  ftill ; 
ftaid  and  fimple,  however,  in  my  life  and 
habits  ;  with  a  natural  fhrewdnefs,  plentiful 
inexperience,  great  honefly,  and  defire  to 
acquit  me  well  of  my  charge. 

My    little    pacquct    was    foon    made    up, 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkcw.  6"] 

Miflrefs  Anne  was  both  pleafed  and  forry : 
fhe  regretted  to  mifs  me,  but  rejoiced  in 
Frank's  getting  my  company,  and  counted  on 
many  ftories  of  our  adventures  when  we 
returned.  I  negle(51:ed  not  to  take  leave  of 
my  kived  parents.  Though  my  father  was 
but  Steward  of  the  Houfe,  that  was  an  office 
not  difdained  by  many  a  Knight  in  the  retinue 
of  our  great  Earls.  However,  my  father  was 
but  Houfe  Steward  to  a  Knight  ;  but  yet  he 
had  his  little  Farm,  worth  five  pound  a  year, 
the  tillage  whereof  kept  half  a  dozen  men.  He 
had  a  walk  for  an  hundred  fheep,  and  my 
mother  milked  a  fcore  of  kine.  Nay,  and  I 
am  proud  to  fay  he  found  the  King  a  harneffe, 
with  himfelf  and  his  horfe,  until  he  came  into 
an  houfehold  where  he  ffiould  receive  wages. 
That  was  my  father's  pofition — neither  lefs 
nor  more.  He  portioned  my  fifters  with 
twenty  nobles  a-piece  :  and  fomething  he  gave 
to  the  poor.  Might  my  father  have  as  little 
call  for  fhame  of  me,  as  I  of  my  good  father  ! 


SECTION  IV. 


How  Majler  Fj-aiicis  and  I  wmt  over-fcas. 


T  was    in    the   pleafant    Spring-tide 
that  we  ftarted — 


*•  IV/iciuie  tJiat  Aprils  with  his  JJioivres  fote, 
The  breath  of  March  hath  pierced  to  the  rote.'''' 

Mailer  Francis  mounted  on  a  fine  Bay 
Horie,  myfelf  on  a  ferviceable  roadfter,  a 
Groome  behind  us  with  our  bags  :  and  full 
cheerful  we  fet  forth  together,  to  fee  the 
World,  or  at  leaft  a  new  part  of  it.  I  will 
not  ungratefully  neglect  to  fay  that  my  Lady 
had  ftarted  me  with  four  good  Holland  fhirts, 
and  Sir  William  had  given  me  a  compleat 
Suit  of  new  Black,  Cloak  and  Beevor  Hat 
inclufive  ;  the  fuit  having  been  made  up  by 
the  village  Taylor,  who  certes  allowed  for  my 
Growth,  as  if  I  had  been  an  Urchin.  Sir 
William  likcwife  gave  me  a  Burfe  containing 


Mifircfs    Anne  AJkezu.  69 

ten  gold  pieces  for  my  folc  and  feparate  ufc  ; 
To  that  verily  I  was  well  found. 

If  my  purpofe  were  to  cover  Paper,  which 
it  is  not,  I  could,  methinks,  fill  fome  Pages 
pleafantlie  with  what  befel  us  on  our  journey 
from  Stallingborough  to  Harwich,  and  how 
we  fed,  what  we  difcourfed  on,  and  what  com- 
pany we  fell  in  with  by  the  Way. 

Inftead  of  this,  }'ou  muft  fuppofe  us  em- 
barked on  board  a  Dutch  veffel  bound  for 
Flufliing,  where  we  landed  next  day  at  noon, 
after  much  difcomfiture  from  ficknefs. 

At  that  time,  Mafter  P'rancis  was  as  hand- 
fome  and  engaging  a  Youth  as  you  would  be 
likely  to  meet  in  the  courfe  of  the  longeft 
day.  His  raiment  and  equipage  were  point- 
device,  for  he  loved  to  go  handfomely  appa- 
relled. We  were  on  very  pleafing  terms 
together,  for  he  was  affable  and  I  compliant ; 
and,  at  firft,  my  knowledge  of  the  language 
gave  me  fo  much  the  advantage,  and  his  want 
of  it  left  him  fo  much  behindhand,  that  I 
continually  took  the  Lead  ;  but  this  was  of 
no  long  continuance.  He  foon  picked  up  a 
fmattering  of  the  Vernacular  wherever  we 
went,  and  with  a  better  accent  than  mine. 

We    proceeded    to    Rotterdam    by   water, 


7o  The  Faire  Gofpcllcr, 

mightily  pleafed  with  the  novelty  of  our 
mode  of  travelling.  This  city  was  note- 
worthy to  me,  as  being  the  birthplace  of 
Erafmus  ;  and  I  was  forry  he  was  not  then  in 
it  ;  but  he,  though  alive,  was  then  extreme 
old  (yet  younger  than  I  at  this  prefent  writ- 
ing), and  refident  at  Bafle. 

We  vifited,  in  fucceffion,  the  Hague, 
Leyden,  Utrecht,  Antwerp,  and  13ruffels, 
feeing  the  remarkable  things  of  each.  I 
would  fain  have  tarried  yet  longer  in  every 
one  of  them  ;  but  Mafter  Francis,  with  tlie 
impatience  of  his  age,  was  for  hurrying  on- 
ward to  Paris.  When  we  got  there,  we  pre- 
fented  ourfelves  to  the  Englifli  Ambaffador, 
fent  the  Letters  of  Introdu6lion  with  which 
we  were  charged,  and  took  up  our  abode  at  a 
convenient  lodging,  as  it  was  intended  our 
fta)  fhould  be  of  fome  duration. 

Here  Mafter  Francis,  at  Sir  William's  de- 
fire,  was  to  play  at  weapons,  and  pra6tife  the 
blow  as  well  as  the  thruft,  to  exercife  his 
breath  and  flrength.  Alfo,  he  was  not  to  let 
a  day  pafs  without  an  hour  or  two  fpent  in 
praclifing  the  finglc  fword  and  dagger,  and  in 
reading  the  claffiques  with  me.  All  which, 
for  a  little  time,  he  pundlually  fulfilled. 


Mijlrcfs   A  line  AJkew.  71 

Soon,  however,  being  prefented  by  our 
Ambaffador  to  King  Francis  the  Firft,  Queen 
Claude,  and  the  Queen  Mother  Louife,  he 
obtained  the  entry  to  fo  many  houfes  of  the 
great,  and  formed  acquaintance  with  fo  many 
)'0ung  gallants,  that  his  time  was  confumed 
in  one  diverfion  after  another,  and  his  ftudies 
altogether  neglefted  ;  he  excufmg  himfelf  to 
me  for  it  by  alleging  that  Sir  William  had 
fent  him  abroad  mainly  to  polifh  his  manners 
and  ftudy  mankind. 

Study  mankind  indeed  !  as  if  that  were  the 
way  to  do  fo  !  It  made  me  full  anxious  to 
know  what  Sir  William  would  think  of  it  ; 
but  yet  I  had  no  certain  complaint  whereof 
to  write  unto  him  ;  and  when  I  mentioned  in 
a  general  way,  that  Mafter  Francis  now  found 
no  time  for  ftudies,  the  anfvver,  which  was 
brief  and  long  in  coming,  lightly  treated  it, 
and  fayd,  allowances  muft  be  made  for  the 
vivacity  of  youth.     So  there  was  an  end. 

Meanwhile  I  picked  up  a  ftudious  acquaint- 
ance or  two,  and  learnt  that  King  Francis' 
lenity,  or  rather  laxity,  as  touching  the  Sacra- 
mentarians  (which  was  the  name  given  in 
France  to  the  Reformed),  had  till  lately  been 
fuch,   that   they  had   begun   to   lift  up  their 


y2  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

heads  and  think  their  Redemption  was  draw- 
ing nigh.  But  fome  ill-judged  placards  affixed 
by  'em  to  the  Gates  of  the  Palace  at  Blois 
(where  the  Court  then  was)  fo  enraged  the 
King,  that  he  hurried  up  to  Paris,  though  in 
depth  of  Winter,  and  got  up  an  Expiatory 
Proceffion,  in  which  he,  Queen  Claude,  and 
the  whole  Court  took  part ;  after  which,  a 
moft  ftrift  Search  was  made  for  Heretics, 
who,  after  fliort  trial,  were  haled  to  the  Stake 
and  miferably  burnt,  the  King  himfelf  look- 
ing on. 

Afterwards,  finding  he  had  carried  this 
too  far,  and  excited  great  deteflation  in  Ger- 
many, King  Francis  affected  to  glofs  it,  and 
for  a  while  there  was  a  lull,  which  was  juft 
when  we  got  there. 

It  flruck  me  that  Paris  was  a  ftrangely  un- 
governed,  mis-ordered  city  :  I  will  juft  quote 
a  ridiculous  adventure  that  happened  to  my- 
felf,  which  was  not  without  its  evil  confe- 
quents. 

One  night,  we  had  been  fupping  in  the 
fuburbs  of  St.  Germains,  and,  at  Mafter 
Francis'  requefl,  I  was  returning  without 
him,  he  alleging  fome  flight  rcafon.  I  was 
approaching  the  Pont   Neuf,   preceded  by  a 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJhe-iv.  73 

boy  carrying  a  torch,  when  I  heard  the  clafh- 
ing  of  fwords  a  little  in  advance.  This  did 
not  deter  me  from  going  forward,  though  I 
carried  no  arms,  but  only  a  ftout  ftick  ;  and 
anon  I  was  accofted  by  two  breathlefs  men 
with  drawn  fwords  and  cocked  piftols,  one  of 
whom  thruft  a  paper  into  my  hand,  requeft- 
ing  me  civilly  enough  to  read  it.  He  fayd  he 
had  cafually  picked  it  up,  and  the  fubftance  of 
it  had  appeared  fo  ftrange  that  it  had  caufed 
him  and  his  companion  to  come  to  blows. 

I  perufed  it  with  fome  furprife,  and  the 
matter  of  it  was  this,  That  it  fhould  be  known 
to  all  men  by  thefe  Prefents,  that  whofoever 
fliould  pafs  over  that  Bridge  after  nine  o'clock 
at  night  in  the  Winter,  and  ten  in  Summer, 
fhould  leave  his  Cloak  behind  him,  and,  in 
cafe  of  no  Cloak,  his  Hat.  While  I,  in 
amaze,  was  revolving  this  ftrange  condition, 
one  of  them  fayd,  politely,  "  Sir,  ye  fee  we 
have  no  choice  but  to  relieve  you  of  your 
cloak,  which  of  courfe  you  will  have  back 
again  ; — 'tis  a  mere  form" — "And  your  Hat 
likewife,  to  be  quite  on  the  fafe  fide,"  added 
his  companion.  So  without  time  for  a  word 
of  remonilrance,  one  whipped  off  the  one, 
and  the  other  the  other,  and  took  to  their 

4 


74  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

heels  round  the  corner  ;  and  as  for  the  boy 
with  the  torch,  he  fled  acrofs  the  Bridge,  cry- 
ing "  J'ay  Peur!"  which,  being  interpreted, 
is,  "  Oh,  I'm  fo  frightened  ! "  So  there  had  I 
to  grope  onward  in  the  Dark,  cloaklefs,  hat- 
lefs,  and  in  marvellous  ill-humour  :  and  was 
fo  long  on  the  road,  that  by  the  time  I  reach- 
ed our  Lodging,  there  was  Mafter  Francis 
back  before  me,  who  roared  with  laughter 
when  he  faw  me,  and  afked  me  how  I  came 
to  look  fo  like  a  fkinned  Rabbit.  When  I 
told  my  tale,  difcontentedly  enough,  he  fhook 
his  head  upon  it,  and  fayd  gravely,  I  feemed 
to  have  been  within  an  Ace  of  another  Life  ; 
but  yet,  after  that,  I  was  plentifully  laughed 
at  about  it,  both  by  him  and  his  witty-pate 
acquaintance.  Strangely  enough,  the  Cloak 
and  Hat  were  returned  ;  being  found  on  the 
open  flair  next  morning,  though  fadly  be- 
grimed, as  though  they  had  paffcd  the  night 
in  the  Stable.  I  fuppofe  the  Rogues  had  con- 
fciences  ;  though  how  they  knew  my  Lodg- 
ing I  trow  not  ;  unlefs  they  followed  me  in 
the  diflance. 

Though  this  may  appear  to  others  a  mifad- 
venture  of  trifling  import,  it  proved  of  ferious 
confequence,    by   leffening    Mafter    Francis' 


MiJIiefs   Anne  AJkew.  75 

rerpe6l  for  my  fagacity,  and  accuftoming  him 
to  a  way  of  laughing  at  me  whenever  I  oppofed 
any  undefirable  incHnation  of  his,  and  had  the 
beft  of  the  argument. 

A  wicked  city  is  Paris.  Scarce  a  night 
paffed  without  fome  ftreet  murder ;  and  what 
led  to  fuch  murders,  but  revelling  and  drunk- 
ennefs  ?  The  wit  and  beauty  of  the  women, 
the  courtefy  of  the  men  (though  but  the  mafk 
of  felfiflmefs),  are  moft  enfnaring  to  the  young. 
The  Court  was  very  corrupt,  defpite  fome 
notable  exceptions,  as  the  Queen  Confort  and 
Queen  Marguerite  of  Navarre.  Were  I  a 
father,  I  would  ne'er  fend  child  of  mine  there. 
Grant  a  little  polifli  gained — is  that  an  equi- 
valent for  the  bloom  brufhed  off .''  Ye  would 
not  deem  a  coat  of  varnilh  repaired  the  loft 
bloom  of  plum  or  peach. 

Queen  Marguerite  was  deemed  fpotlefs  as 
fnow.  She  was  called  the  Pearl  of  Princeffes. 
She  hath  fmce  been  the  Alma  Mater  of  the 
French  Reformation.  Her  little  Court  at 
Beam  was  the  refuge  of  the  Calvinifts.  She 
wrote  "  Le  Miroir  de  I'Ame  Pechereffe," 
which  our  Maiden  Monarch  hath  tranflated. 
Yet  e'en  this  Pearl  of  Princeffes  wrote  fome 
very  light  tales. 


76  The  Fairc  Gofpdler, 

Clement  Marot — I  faw  a  little  of  him  :  he 
hath  fmce  turned  David's  Pfeaulmes  into 
verfe :  but  he  was  neither  good  nor  pious 
then. 

There,  faw  I  my  firft  Play  :  fave  thofe,  ye 
wit,  our  Scholars  play  at  Chriftmas,  in  Col- 
leges and  Villages.  Mafter  Francis  was 
greatly  taken  with  them  :  then,  after  the  play, 
the  fupper  ;  much  drinking,  much  gaming, 
much  unreafonable  jefting.  One  day  I  was 
fent  to  our  Ambaffador  on  a  meffage,  and  he 
told  me  privily,  we  had  better  proceed  on  our 
journey.  He  fayd,  if  I  were  gainfaid,  he  would 
bear  me  out  in  it. 

So  we  got  our  paffports  ;  Mafter  Francis 
not  offering  that  oppofition  I  had  looked  for, 
Juft  before  we  turned  our  backs  on  Paris,  he 
received  letters  from  home  ;  and  fayd  to  me, 
with  glee — 

"  There's  like  to  be  a  double  wedding  when 
we  get  home.  Sifter  Patty  is  promifed  to 
Mafter  Kyme  the  younger — Thomas  Kyme!" 

"  Indeed  !  "  cried  I.  "  And  does  fhe  like 
it?" 

"  She  likes  the  profpe6l  of  being  married, 
no  doubt,"  returned  he  lightly.  "There  leema 
no  chance  of  her  being  Maid  of  Honour." 


Mijlrefs   A  fine  AJkczv.  jy 

"  You  are  pleafed  with  it  yourfclf  ? " 

"  How  can  I  choofe  but  be  pleafed  ?  Kyme 
is  not  very  fociable,  but  he  is  very  rich — will 
be,  at  leaft,  on  his  father's  death.  Old  Kyme 
hath  rich  lands  at  Wrangle,  Frifkney,  Wain- 
fleet,  and  Thorpe.  At  prefent,  Tom  Kyme 
hath  but  little.  But  my  father  hath  fuch  faith 
in  him  that  he  is  going  to  advance  him  a  por- 
tion of  my  fifler's  dowry." 

"  That  is  a  Angular  ftep,"  I  obferved. 

"Singular  good  fortune  for  Kyme,  I  wis," 
replied  Mafter  Francis.  "  He  will  improve 
with  it  the  property  on  which  my  fifter  is 
hereafter  to  live." 

"  Suppofe  he  fliould  die  firft,  after  fpending 
the  dowry .'' " 

"  Oh,  fuppofe  and  fuppofe  !  Suppofe  the 
flcy  fliould  fall,  old  croaker  ! — Since  Robin 
is  going  home,  he  can  carry  anfwers  to  thefe 
letters." 

Robin  the  groom,  being  flck,  and  deadly 
homefick,  we  were  going  to  carry  him  no 
further  :  our  Ambaffador  having  undertaken  to 
fend  him  back  to  England  with  fervants  of  his 
own,_who  were  returning  thither  on  bufinefs. 

So  we  wrote  home  by  Robin,  and  them  fet 
our  faces  toward  Italy  ;  approaching  it  through 


yS  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

Orleans,   Lyons,   and    Marfeilles,  whence   we 
took  fhip  for  Genoa. 

On  our  voyage,  a  wind  as  tempeftuous  as 
Euroclydon  (they  call  it  Tramontana)  over- 
took us,  and,  blowing  very  hard  from  land, 
between  the  gaps  of  the  mountains,  raifed  on 
a  fudden  fo  great  a  fea,  that  we  were  almoft 
abandoned  to  defpair.  The  Pilot  gave  us  up 
for  loft,  and  the  Sailors  fell  to  their  prayers. 
A  Prieft  on  board  confeffed  many  of  us,  as  in 
the  article  of  death  ;  amongR  others,  Mafler 
Francis,  who  was  fore  diftraught  and  in  the 
moft  abfolute  terror. 

For  me,  though  I  believed  my  end  very 
near,  a  calm  poffeffed  me  I  could  no  ways 
account  for:  it  originated  not  in  myfelf;  it 
could  not  be  from  beneath  ;  then  it  muft  have 
been  from  above.  Deiis  nojler  refugiam  et 
virtus,  adjntor  in  tribtilationilnis. 

And  now,  when  we  were  weary,  and  fpent 
in  pumping  and  baling  out  w^ater,  it  pleafed 
God  of  His  own  proper  mercy  to  allay  the 
Storm,  and  fo  we  were  at  the  Haven  where 
we  would  be :  noting,  with  rapture,  the  charm- 
ing Villas  fcattered  over  the  Hills,  and  inhal- 
ing the  odours  of  Orange,  Citron,  and  Jafmine, 
that  were  wafted  off  fhore. 


SECTION   V. 

W/iat  difc-/  us  hi  Foreign  Parts. 

fE  reached  Genoa  at  a  feafon  of 
inconceivable  ftir  and  buftle,  the 
Harbour  crowded  with  Galleys,  for 
the  famous  Andrew  Doria,  Lord 
High  Admiral  of  the  Imperial  Fleet,  was 
about  to  put  to  fea.  We  had  arrived  in  the 
very  Nick  of  Time  :  the  grandeur  of  the  fcene 
was  incredible  ;  and  Mafter  Francis,  for  all 
his  late  fears  on  the  tempeftuous  deep,  could 
hardly  be  reftrained  from  enrolling  himfelf  in 
the  forces  as  a  Volunteer. 

We  landed  by  the  Pratique  houfe,  where, 
after  ftricl  examination  by  the  Sindaco,  we 
were  had  to  the  Ducal  Palace,  and,  our  names 
having  been  taken  down  there,  were  conducted 
to  our  Inn. 

Genoa  could  not  immediately  fubfide  from 
."ts  ferment,  and  it  feemed  the  gayeft,  moft 
enchanting  place  in  the  world.     The  Palaces, 


8o  The  Fairc  Gofpcllcr, 

with  their  court-yards  adorned  with  fculptures 
and  orange-trees,  were  of  excellent  beauty ; 
but  what  delighted  me  beyond  meafure  were 
the  Gardens,  beautiful  with  terraces,  marble 
flairs,  urns,  fountains,  and  grottoes,  moft 
deleitable  to  behold,  which  I  have  already 
enlarged  on  in  my  Treatyfe  On  the  Adorn- 
ment of  Gardens,  dedicated  to  the  King. 

So  again,  at  Ferrara,  where  I  was  inex- 
preffibly  pleafed  with  the  Gardens  of  the 
Belvedere  Palace ;  and,  again,  the  Gardens  of 
the  Pitti  Palace  at  Florence,  which  I  have 
dilated  on  in  another  place.  Ah,  what  beau- 
ties ! — 

At  Ferrara,  Sir,  where  Mafter  Francis 
was  courtcoufly  received  by  Duke  Ercole 
and  Duchefs  Renee,  we  faw  the  famous  poet 
Ariofto  and  his  venerable  mother,  in  the 
modeft  manfion  beftowed  on  him  by  the 
Duke. 

At  Arezzo,  we  had  a  glimpfe  of  the  famous 
Michel  Angelo  Buonarroti. 

O,  the  delight  I  experienced  in  beholding 
Padua  !  and  the  bufy  fcene  its  vaulted  ftrccts 
prcfented,  as  ftudents  from  Turkey,  Arabia, 
Perfia,  and  every  land  in  Chriftcndom,  pouied 
forth  from  fomc  popular  Lecture.     Fain  would 


Mijlrefs  Amie  AJIcezu.  8 1 

I  .lave  tarried  long  time  in  that  learned  City 
a  (d  made  acquaintance  with  fome  of  its  Uni- 
vorfity  Do6tors  ;  but  Mafter  Francis  was  for 
preffing  forward  to  Venice,  fo  I  needs  muft 
yield.  Hitherto  we  had  travelled  vetturino, 
that  is  on  hired  horfes  with  a  Guide  ;  but  now 
we  embarked  in  a  ftout  veffel,  failed  down  the 
Adige,  into  the  Adriatic,  and  beheld  the 
beautiful  City,  contemplating  herfelf  as  in  a 
Mirrour  in  the  tremulous  waters. 

As  foon  as  we  landed,  we  were  conduced 
to  the  Dogana  ;  after  which  we  took  up  our 
quarters  at  a  good  Inn  near  the  Rialto. 

After  fuppcr,  Mafter  Francis  propofed  our 
gcing.  forth  in  a  Gondola,  which  pleafed  me 
well.  Moft  delightful  was  it  to  float  over  the 
liquid  furface  of  thofe  watery  ftreets  of  gor- 
geous Palaces,  with  their  flights  of  fteps, 
terraces,  and  balconies,  and  to  catch  glimpfes 
of  fair  women  and  ftately  cavaliers  leaning 
over  the  balluftrades,  or  defcending  or  afcend- 
ins:  the  marble  flairs — to  fee  other  Gondolas„ 
with  their  high  fleel  beaks,  and  taffelled  cur- 
tains, dart  out  from  unfecn  coverts  and  glide 
by  as  filently  as  bats  ;  while  others  gave  forth 
fllvery  founds  of  mufic  and  mirth.  At  fundry 
points,  the  Gondolas  were  fo  crowded  together 

4* 


8j  The  Faire  GofpcUer, 

that  they  were  like  to  fink  one  another,  fway- 
ing  fearfully  to  one  fide.  All  the  nobility 
feemed  out  on  the  Canals,  enjoying  the  plea- 
fant  frefliness  of  the  air  after  a  hot  fumraer  day. 

Sometimes  the  Gondolier  ufed  his  oar  as  a 
helm,  and  let  the  little  veffel  float  idly  at  its 
will.  We  lingered  on  the  water  till  long  after 
the  general  concourfe  had  difperfed,  and  till 
lights  began  to  glimmer  through  windows, 
and  purple  night  fet  in,  glorified  by  an  infinity 
of  ftars,  and  till  the  moon  arofe  and  caft  broad 
lights  and  deep  black  Ihadows.  Now  and  then 
a  folitary  Gondola  fleeted  paft  like  a  swallow 
on  the  wing  ;  and  once,  a  large  one,  clofely 
curtained  with  black,  and  with  muffled  oars, 
paffcd  noifelefQy  along  in  the  deep  fhadow  ; 
and  our  Gondolier  told  us,  when  it  had  paffed, 
that  it  belonged  to  the  Inquifition,  and  was 
carrying  forth  a  prifoner,  or  prifoners,  to  be 
drowned  in  the  Laguna.  A  forrowful  death, 
I  thought ;  and  I  ftraincd  my  ears,  though 
vainly,  to  hear  the  fatal  plafli. 

At  length,  we  bade  the  fellow  carry  us 
back  to  the  Inn  :  we  were  fome  way  from  it ; 
the  Canals  were  now  deferted. 

All  at  once,  we  heard  afar  off,  with  a  fur- 
prife  that  gave  a  thrill,  a  rich  and  melodious 


Mip-efs  Anne  AJIcciv.  Z^ 

voice  chanting  ibmewhat  in  metre,  the  effe6^ 
of  which  was  moft  entrancing.  No  fooner 
did  it  ceafe,  than  we  were  ftartled  by  hearing 
our  own  Gondolier  take  up  the  refrain  and 
give  a  replication  of  the  ditty  in  a  loud,  harfli 
voice.  He  ceafed ;  the  other  refponded  ; 
then  he  again  ;  and  thus  they  alternated 
ftanza  after  ftanza,  till  the  ftrange  Gondolier 
paffed  us  like  a  fhot,  and  we  prefently  heard 
his  voice  in  the  remote  diftance,  dying  into 
the  filence  of  night.  'Twas  Ariofto  thefe 
Gondolieri  were  finging  ;  methought  that 
was  a  popularity  to  be  proud  of. 

As  we  rounded  a  corner,  we  came  on  a 
flight  of  marble  ftairs,  which  an  old  and 
weighty  gentleman,  whofe  Gondola  had  juft 
glided  away,  was  flowly  afcending  ;  when  I 
was  ware  of  two  Mifcreants  lurking  behind 
a  Pillar  to  waylay  him.  I  had  fcarce  pluckt 
Mafter  Francis  by  the  fleeve  and  pointed  them 
out,  wdien  they  affailed  the  old  dignitary, 
who  uttered  a  loud  and  terrified  cry  of  "  Al 
Socc6rso  !  " 

Mafter  Francis  was  up  with  him  the  next 
inftant,  his  fword  whipt  out ;  and  the  Ruf- 
fians, feeing  they  had  more  than  they  bar- 
gained for,  ran  off  into  the  dark. 


u4  The  Faire  Gofpdler, 

"  Cheerly,   cheerly,   Signer  !  "   fays    Maftei 
Francis.     "  Have  they  hui  t  you  ?  " 

"A  mere  prick,  my  brave  young  friend,' 
returns  the  other;  and  t)ien  enfewed  great 
fahitations  and  courtefiej,  ending  in  his  con- 
ftraining  Mafter  Francis  ^o  go  into  his  Palace, 
which  he  did,  after  /1io;htly  calhng  to  me 
from  where  he  flood,  to  go  back  to  the  Inn, 
and  bid  the  Gondolier  return  for  him. 

I  Uked  not  thif, :  J  liked  not  lofmg  fight 
rf  him,  nor  knowinp^  into  what  hands  he  had 
fallen  :  however,  I  gathered  from  the  Gondo- 
'ier  that  the  Senator  Cornaro  (for  his  rank 
was  no  lefs)  was  of  one  ol  the  noblefl  houfes  in 
Venice  ;  and  he  told  me  alfo  that  the  waylay- 
ers  were  probably  no  mere  Pilferers,  but  a 
couple  oi  liravoes  hired  by  fome  Enemy  to 
^ay  the  oM  Man,  out  of  fome  Spite  and 
Revenge. 

When  Mafter  Francis  returned,  which  was 
/ery  late,  he  reproved  me  for  waiting  Supper 
for  him — faying  he  had  fupped  with  the  Sena- 
tor and  his  fair  daughter.  He  was  in  high 
f^oirits,  for  he  had  been  made  much  of,  on 
account  of  his  fuccour  of  the  old  Gentleman  ; 
and  thenceforth  he  had  free  accefs  to  the 
Palace  as  a  cheriflied  Gueft. 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJkew.  85 

Thereafter  we  were  much  divided.  He 
never  put  me  forward,  or  made  me  known  to 
Signor  Cornaro  ;  fo  that  I  wift  not  what  his 
employments  were,  nor  into  what  fort  of 
company  he  had  fallen.  Once,  when  I  inti- 
mated I  would  gladly  have  borne  him  com- 
pany, he  fayd  (lightly,  "  Your  clothes  are 
too  fhabby," — which  hurt  me,  for  they  were 
always  well  brufhed,  and  by  no  means  thread- 
bare. And  as  almofl  every  one  in  Venice 
wore  black,  why,  I  was  not  fo  far  out  of  the 
Fafhion.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  Tone  he 
took  over  me,  I  fhould  have  been  content 
enough  to  have  my  time  at  my  own  difpofe  ; 
but  that  was  not  what  I  had  been  fent  abroad 
for. 

However,  having  remonftrated  as  well  as  I 
could,  I  did  not  fee  what  remained  left  undone 
that  I  could  have  done  ;  fo  I  made  e'en  the 
beft  of  it,  and  lookt  about  the  place  a  little, 
and  faw  the  Arfenal,  and  the  Churches,  and 
the  Ducal  Palace  ;  the  Courts  of  Juftice,  the 
Senate-houfe,  and  the  Exchange  ;  but  all 
with  a  kind  of  diffatiffa6lion. 

A  gentleman  whom  I  met  at  the  tavola 
ordinaria,  helped  me  chiefly  to  the  feeing  of 
thefe,  and   alfo   to    fee    fome    Libraries    and 


86  TJie  Faire  Gofpcller, 

book-fhops.  I  was  much  tempted  to  buy  a 
Hebrew  Pfalter,  the  firft  that  had  iffiied  from 
the  prefs,  as  alfo  an  Italian  tranflation  of  the 
Bible  printed  at  Venice  in  1471,  for  the 
curiofity  and  intereft  of  it;  but  counting  the 
coft,  found  it  prudent  to  abftain,  though  my 
companion  feemed  rather  forry  I  did  not. 
Afterwards  I  was  told  he  was  a  Spy. 

But  before  I  knew  that,  he  took  me  to 
feveral  Painters'  Studios,  where  I  picked  up 
fome  hints  of  colouring;  and  alfo  to  fome 
fa(5lories  and  curiofity-fhops. 

I  found  Venice  was  a  very  wicked  y-place, 
I  heard  tales  of  treachery,  malice,  and  re- 
venge, beyond  belief  It  was  a  noted  place 
for  poifoning,  and  the  inventing  of  the  moft 
cruel  and  fubtile  inftruments  of  Torture. 
For  example  :  I  faw  a  Chair  fo  contrived  as 
to  catch  faft  any  Perfon  that  fhould  fit  down 
in  it,  by  certain  fprings  in  the  back  and 
fides,  which  on  fitting  down  fliould  furprife 
him  by  inclofing  his  arms  and  thighs,  with 
true  Italian  treachery.  Likewife  I  faw  a 
thing  more  fearful  than  cruel,  which  is  to 
fay,  a  goggle-eyed  Satyr's  Head,  which  by 
fome  contrived  machinery  could  utter  a 
human  voice  ;  a  conceit   that   might  affright 


Mijlnfs  Anne  AJkew.  87 

perhaps    others    befide    Women    and    Chil- 
dren. 

I  became  apprehenfive  that  Mafter  Francis 
was  following  evil  courfes.  In  England  he 
had  been  a  worthy  youth,  though  fomewhat 
wilful  and  idle.  Among  the  refpe6lable 
Hollanders  he  maintained  the  good  report  of 
his  family.  In  France,  the  corrupt  influence 
of  the  Queen  Mother  Louife  extended  be- 
yond the  Court  to  the  Capital  and  Country, 
juft  as  the  Circles  made  by  a  Stone  caft 
into  the  Water  extend  one  beyond  another. 
Hence,  a  Levity  of  Manners,  a  Loofenefs 
of  Speech,  a  Lightnefs  of  Condu6l,  that 
could  not  but  be  very  bad  Examples  to  the 
young. 

In  Italy,  we  found  ourfelves  among  a  more 
decent,  decorous  People,  rarely  endowed  and 
moft  plaufible  of  Speech.  But  they  are 
profound  Diffimulators :  their  own  Hiflory 
bewrays  it :  they  e'en  make  it  a  Science. 
St-Iu,  they  themfelves  maintain  that  no  one 
is  lb  bad  as  "  L  Inglcfc  Italianato " — the 
Italianified  Englifliman. 

Now,  while  I  was  leading  an  anxious, 
unquiet  life,  I  received  a  letter  from  Sir 
William,    accufmg    me   cf  grofs    mifmanage- 


88  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

ment  of  our  Expenditure,  which  he  under- 
ftood  was  owing  to  my  unacquaintance  with 
the  Monies  and  Current  Prices  of  Italy ; 
adding  roundly  that  he  would  have  no  fuch 
Waftry,  and  that  if  I  looked  not  fliavp,  he 
would  prefently  recal  me. 

This  letter  took  me  quite  by  Surprife,  and 
occafioned  thoughts  that  were  mofb  painful. 
It  was  apparent  that  Mafter  Francis  had 
written  home  to  his  father,  without  my 
knowledge,  things  that  difparaged  me  and 
that  were  untrue  ;  for  the  purpofe,  namely, 
of  excufmg  his  own  profufion  at  my  Expenfe. 

I  turned  in  my  thoughts  how  I  fliould 
handfomcly  clear  myfelf  to  Sir  William 
without  inculpating  his  Son,  but  could  come 
to  no  conclufion  ;  fo,  to  conftrain  myfelf, 
as  'twere,  to  a  cheerfuller  frame,  I  went 
forth  to  the  Mercera,  a  fpot  where  any  but 
the  defolateft  mind  might  furcly  find  amufe- 
ments.    , 

For  there,  on  either  hand,  you  behold  the 
faireft  Shops  in  the  World,  tapeftried,  as 
'twere,  with  Cloth  of  Gold  and  rich  Damafks 
hung  from  the  firft-floor  Windows,  delight- 
ing  the  Eye  with  every  conceivable  allure- 
ment of  Fabric  and  Colour :  there,  again,  aie 


Mip'cfs   Anne  AJkeiv.  89 

Perfumery- fhops,  regaling  exquifitely  the 
Smell  with  odours  of  Rofe,  Violet,  Pink,  and 
every  odoriferous  Flower,  while  the  fenle  of 
hearing  is  captivated  by  the  warbling  of 
numerous  Nightingales  in  Gilded  Cages  hung 
up  in  the  Shops  ;  fo  that,  fliutting  your  eyes, 
you  might  conceit  yourfelf  in  fome  Woody 
Lane  or  Copfe,  rather  than  in  the  midft  of  a 
City.  And  no  found  of  wheel  or  hoof; 
nothing  but  the  fnfurra  of  innumerable 
Voices,  the  ringing  of  Bells,  and  the  meloily 
of  flringed  and  wind  Inftruments. 

So  cheerful  a  fcene  might  well  have  cheated 
my  fadnefs  ;  but  it  did  not,  for,  as  I  entered 
the  Mercera,  I  encountered  Mafter  Francis, 
walking  in  the  too  familiar  Italian  fafliion, 
with  his  arm  about  the  neck  of  a  gay  young 
Nobleman.  I  faluted  him  with  gravity  as  I 
pafled  :  he  refponding  by  a  fcarce  perceptible 
nod.  Said  Signor  Zeno,  "  Cojtofcc  cojini?" 
He  replied  with  flightnefs,  "/<?  lo  couofco" — • 
as  if  he  juft  knew  me  by  fight  and  that  were 
all. 

This  flung  me,  and  did  not  the  better  fit 
me  for  fhowing  him  his  father's  letter,  which 
I  did  next  time  we  met,  keeping  my  eye  on 
him  while  he  read  it. 


90  The  Fa  ire  Gofpeller, 

He  coloured  high,  and  fayd,  with  choler, 
*'  Have  you  nothing  better  to  do  than  to  ftare  ? 
What  is  this  Coil  ?  You  know  as  well  as  I 
do  that  we  are  fhort  of  Money,  and  had  beft 
beware  of  making  Mifchief  between  my 
Father  and  me." 

I  fayd,  nothing  would  occafion  me  greater 
concern  than  to  do  fo  ;  it  wounded  me  that 
he  fhould  deem  me  capable  of  fuch  bafenefs. 
He  fayd  imperioufly,  "  Peace,  minion  !  "  which 
was  a  term  he  certainly  was  no  ways  entitled 
to  ufe,  but  he  meant  to  hurt  me,  and  did.  I 
was  prudent  enow  to  take  his  advice,  and  held 
my  peace. 

But  the  pleafantnefs  of  my  life  was  gone, 
and  fo,  I  apprehend,  was  his.  One  Evening, 
at  Dufk,  a  Mafkt  Perfon  ftepped  from  behind 
a  Column,  and  put  a  billet  into  my  hand.  It 
contained  thefe  words — "  Your  Mafler  is  in 
danger."  I  did  not  fo  much  mind  being  held 
his  fervant,  though  I  was  his  Governor,  not 
he  my  Mafter ;  but  I  was  difquieted  for  his 
fafety.  I'o  check  him  a  little,  I  fhowed  him 
the  billet.  He  treated  it  lightly,  and  fayd, 
*'The  words  of  fome  jealous,  meddling  wo- 
man." 

Another   billet   was    fliortly   given   me   at 


Mijlrefs    Anne  AJkeiv.  9 1 

dufk  "Since  he  will  not  be  warned,  he 
muft  abide  the  riik.  Mocenigo  is  coming 
home." 

What  had  Mocenigo's  coming  home  to  do 
with  it  ?  Mocenigo  was  betrothed  to  Cor- 
naro's  daughter,  Madonna  Veronica,  and  was 
high  in  command  in  the  Venetian  Navy. 
He  was  now  with  the  fleet  at  Cyprus.  What 
call  had  Mafter  Francis  to  make  the  brave 
man  jealous,  or  give  him  reafon  for  jealoufy, 
even  by  light,  unmeaning  gallantry  to  his 
affianced  bride, — he  who  was  himfelf  con- 
tracted to  Miftrefs  Beffy,  and  to  marry  her 
on  his  return  home }  Up  to  the  time  of  his 
leaving  England,  he  had  been  diftra6ledly 
fond  of  her,  wooing  her  with  love-tokens, 
love-verfes,  gauds,  trinkets,  pofies,  fweet- 
meats,  and  what  not.  For  a  time  he  was 
always  thinking  of  her, — up  to  the  time, 
that  is,  of  his  going  to  the  French  Court,  and 
funning  in  the  fmiles  of  Queen  Louife's 
ladies. 

Sir,  ye  are  young :  mayhap  your  friend  is. 
Take  warning  by  Mafter  Francis — wear  not 
your  heart  on  your  fleeve,  to  be  pluckt  at  by 
the  idle,  audacious  hand  of  ftrangera. 


SECTION   VI. 


How  we  left   Venice. 

HILE  I  was  painfully  miifing  over 
this  billet,  Mafter  Francis  comes  in 
with  a  rare  carven  Ivory  Cafl-cet 
ftudded  with  fmall  Brilliants  in  his 
hand.  I  may  here  fay,  that  throughout  his 
travels,  he  had  bought  gauds  that  pleafed  his 
fancy  for  Miftrefs  Beffy,  fome  of  which  had 
already  found  their  way  to  her.  Setting  down 
the  Cafket  on  the  table,  he  began  to  tear  open 
fundry  Notes  that  lay  thereon,  pifliing,  and 
crying  with  annoyance,  "Bills,  bills,  bills!" 
as  he  threw  'em  confecutively  on  the  table. 
I  meanwhile  eyeing  the  cafk-et  (which  I  had 
already  noted  in  a  Jeweller's  fliop  on  the 
iMercera)  fayd  commendingly,  "  A  pretty  toy 
for  Miftrefs  Elizabeth."  '"Tis  not  for  Mif- 
trefs  Elizabeth,"  returned  he  fliortly,  "and 
coft  more  than  'twas  worth.  Jews  have  no 
confcienccs,   I  think — and  here  are  bills   for 


Mijlnfs   Anne  AJkew.  93 

things  I've  paid  for  already  .  .  .  But  oh ! 
Nick,  what's  this?"  and  he  turned  afliy 
pale — "A  letter  from  my  Step-mother,  fay- 
ing Sir  William  lies  at  poini  of  Death,  and 
bidding  me  home  on  the  inflant."  "Sir,  fir," 
fayd  I,  "  we  cannot  choofe  but  make  our  befl. 
fpeed  thither."  "  Not  an  Hour  muft  be  loft," 
fayd  he.  "  Take  meafures  for  our  immediate 
Journey.  I  will  but  bid  adieu  to  a  Friend, 
and  turn  my  face  homeward."  And  clapping 
his  hand  to  his  forehead,  as  if  in  Anguifh 
intolerable,  he  caught  up  the  Cafket  and  was 
haftening  forth,  when  I  fayd,  "  Sir,  you  muft 
leave  that  to  be  packed  up."  "  Tut,  fool ! " 
rejoined  he,  and  rufhed  away. 

I  was  ufed  now  to  his  uncivil  language, 
but  did  not  like  it  the  more.  By  and  by  he 
returned  in  ftrange  commovement  :  a  kinf- 
man  o'  Cornaro's  was  with  him,  almoft  as 
much  excited  as  himfelf,  who  hurried  our 
Departure,  obviated  all  Difficulties  (as  for 
Monies,  Papers,  &c.,  got  us  on  board  a 
Felucca),  and  in  lefs  than  another  hour  we 
were  ploughing  the  Adriatic. 

Mafter  Francis  flung  himfelf  prone  on  the 
deck,  with  his  face  buried  in  his  Mantle.  I 
think   young    People   have   a    Luxury  fome- 


94  The  Fa  ire  Gofpeller, 

times  in  immoderate  Grief,  and  think  it 
becomes  them.  Deep,  exhaufting  Sighs  and 
fpafmodic  Throes  were  lieard  and  feen  from 
under  the  Cloak  ;  and  I  thought,  fure  the 
young  Gentleman  grieves  piteoufly  for  his 
Father  ;  or  elfe  is  leaving  his  heart  behind 
him — which  is  it,  I  wonder  ? 

I  need  not  go  over  the  circumftantials  of 
our  Journey,  which,  though  tedious,  was  as 
rapid  as  circumflances  permitted.  Mafter 
Francis  noted  nothing,  fcarce  fpake  or  ate  on 
the  Road.  He  left  everything  to  me  ;  and 
had  I  not  been  a  better  Accountant  and 
Economift  than  he  had  reprefented  me  to  be, 
it  would  have  fared  ill  with  us,  e'en  with  the 
purfe  Cornaro's  kinfman  put  in  his  hand  at 
parting. 

Gladly  I  hailed  the  white  cliffs  of  England  ; 
gladly  rode  poft  with  him  home  ;  our  horfes 
in  a  lather.  The  Lincolnfhire  air  felt  moifh 
and  raw,  but  it  was  our  native  air  for  all  that : 
the  country  looked  ftrangely  flat  and  colour- 
lefs  ;  it  feemed  as  if  fomething  had  been  cut 
off  the  horizon,  to  bring  the  cold,  grey  fky 
lower  down  to  it.  In  Venice,  a  red  rag  or  a 
broken  blue  jug  in  a  window  had  abfolute 
beauty  in  it — here  were  green,  fwampy  trails 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkezv.  95 

with  fat  beads  depafturing  on  them  ;  the  vaft, 
yellow  H umber  ;  and,  in  the  diftance,  a  blue 
ftrip  of  the  German  Ocean. 

We  gallopped  as  we  approached  Stilling- 
boro',  and  breathleffly  flung  ourfelves  from 
our  horfes  at  the  Hall  door. 

"  Doth  my  Father  yet  live  }  "  cries  Mafter 
Francis. 

"  Yes,  Sir,  he's  doing  cheerly,"  fays  Robin. 
Oh,  how  thankful  I  felt  !  Mafter  Francis 
fprang  up  the  great  Staircafe,  three  flairs  at 
a  time,  while  I  followed  more  flowly,  and 
paufed  in  the  doorway.  Sir  William  was 
fitting  up  in  his  great  Bed,  fwathed  in  Flan- 
nels, his  Lady  and  Daughters  befide  him, 
Mafter  Francis  with  his  back  to  me,  his  arms 
about  his  Father,  who  was  embracing  him 
with  afteftion,  but  faying  with  fome  Heat, — 

"  Dying  ?  Nothing  of  the  fort  .  .  .  I'm 
a  great  way  from  Death  yet,  I  affure  you. 
You  have  only  been  recalled  by  a  Woman's 
nonfenfe  ;  but,  however,  fmce  you  are  here, 
'tis  well,  for  you  have  been  fpending  a  great 
deal  too  much  Money,  Frank,  in  your 
abfence." 

Miflrefs  Anne  here  came  round  to  me,  and 
preffed   my  great,   bony  hand   moft  lovingly 


g6  TJie  Fa  ire  Gofpcllcr, 

betwixt  both  her  own.  I  thought  her  thcj 
nioft  beautiful  Creature  I  had  feeii  in  my  Hfe. 
Sa}-d  Sir  Wilham, — 

"  Oh,  what,  Moldwarp,  you  are  there,  are 
you  ?       Your   Suit    of    Black  fomething   the 
worfe   for  fervice.     I    believe    I    could  write 
my   name   in    the    Duft    on    your    Doublet 
There,  go  and  get  fomething  to  eat." 

Miftrcfs  Anne  foon  flipped  after  me,  and 
fayd,  "Do  not  mind  my  Father's  fpeaking 
fliort.  We  have  all  had  a  good  deal  to  bear 
while  he  was  ill.  1  believe  Gout  generally 
diftempers  the  mind  as  well  as  body.  I 
knew  not  Lady  Alkew  had  ordered  you  home, 
but  peii/aits  he  did.      Frank's  extravagance 

hath  vexed  them  forelie.  But  oh,  what  a 
pleafant  time  yuu  mufl:  have  had  of  it,  dear 
Nicholas  !  I  hope  you  have  a  great  deal  to 
tell !  " 

I  fayd  I  had  indeed  feen  much  that  was 
noteworthy. 

"  As  foon,  then,  as  thou  haft  had  Meat  and 
Drink,  and  fhaken  the  Duft  off  thyfelf,  come 
into  the  Book-room  and  talk  without  ceafmg." 

But  before  I  could  do  that.  Sir  Maurice 
would  needs  have  me  into  his  little  veflry,  and 
fearch  and  probe  me  raofl  narrowly  refpcding 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkcw.  97 

all  our  doings.  He  fecmcd  to  know  a  great 
deal  already,  and  to  have  been  efpying  us  all 
the  while,  by  Deputy  or  Deputies,  which  in- 
deed the  Prielthood  may  well  do  if  they  deem 
it  worth  their  while,  they  have  fo  many 
Efpions.  And  when  he  had  fifted  me  like 
Wheat,  he  would  fain  know  about  foreign 
Churches,  Cathedrals  and  convents,  fhrines 
and  relics,  different  orders  and  fraternities,  the 
ftate  of  Religion  abroad,  the  degree  of  refpe6l 
commanded  by  the  Priefls,  and  religious 
goflipry  in  general. 

When  I  went  to  the  Book-room,  feeling  like 
a  Culprit,  and  expe6ting  a  chiding  from 
Miftrefs  Anne,  Ihe  was  leaning  half  out  of  the 
open  Lattice,  and  on  the  other  fide  of  it  was 
a  good-looking  young  Man  talking  with  her 
whom  I  did  not  at  firft  difcern  to  be  Matter 
Edmund  Britain.  He  greeted  me  firfl,  was 
amufed  and  pleafed  at  my  not  having  known 
him,  and  fayd, — 

"  Well,  'tis  a  compliment  to  my  manhood." 
After  which,  he  bade  Miftrefs  Anne  fland 
afide,  till  he  fcrambled  into  the  room,  by  plant- 
ing his  foot  on  a  ftrong  branch  of  Honey- 
fuckle,  which  helped  him  up. 

What   a   pleafant    talk    we    had !      Little 

5 


98  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

Miftrefs  Joan  made  a  fourth,  coming  in  and 
ftanding  by  my  knee ;  but  Ihe  was  not  lb 
pretty  as  Miftrcfs  Anne  had  been  at  her  age. 

By  and  by,  Miflrefs  Anne  excufed  herfelf, 
and  went  up  to  Sir  WilHam,  who  exafted  his 
Daughters'  attendance  by  turn  ;  they  land- 
ing befide  him  by  the  hour,  till  they  were  like 
to  drop  ;  even  whiles  he  flept.  Direftly  fhe 
was  gone,  Mafter  Britain  fayd  to  me,  "Is  not 
my  coufin  fair?"  "I  am  quite  amazed,"  an- 
fwered  I,  "  to  fee  how  fhe  hath  improved. 
She  is  a  wondrous  fair  woman."  "  They 
count  her  as  a  child,  though,"  he  rejoined. 
"  She  is  fnubbed  and  checked  more  than  any 
creature  I  e'er  knew  ;  and  yet  fhe's  not  hurt- 
ful, nor  defpiteful,  nor  unduteous  in  aught. 
Her  happieft  hours  are  fpent  in  this  room, 
among  your  books  :  you  will  find  fhe  hath  fed 
freelie  on  them."  "  Had  I  known  that,"  fayd 
I,  "  I  would  have  packed  fome  in  a  box  and 
fent  them  to  our  Farm-houfe.  I  knew  that 
no  one  elfe  would  trouble  them,  and  did  not 
think  fhe  would."  "  There  is  no  harm  in 
them,"  fayd  he.  "  'Tis  hard  to  fay  what  there's 
no  harm  in,  in  thefe  days,"  fayd  I.  Then  we 
talked  of  the  times,  and  of  his  Studies. 

Shortlie,   Mafter    Francis'    accounts   were 


STATE  Nbiii^lAL , 

Mijlrcfs    Anne  AJkew.  99 

overhauled,  and  I  was  called  in  to  verify  them 
He  met  me  juft  as  I  paffed  in  to  Sir  William, 
and  whifpered  haftily,  "  Say  nothing  about 
Cornaro's  Purfe."  "  I  looked  furprifed,  and 
would  have  remonflrated  ;  but  he  was  gone. 
I  had  little  time  to  digeft  the  matter,  and 
left  it  to  fettle  itfelf.  I  would  not  needlefQy 
bring  it  up  ;  and  if  I  were  obliged  to  account 
for  it,  I  would  fpeak  the  truth.  As  it  happ'd, 
I  had  no  need  ;  Sir  William  never  once  quef- 
tioned  our  having  had  enough  refidue  to  bring 
us  home  :  there  was  a  deficit  he  could  no 
ways  account  for,  unlefs  it  had  been  gambled 
away.  He  queftioned  me  ftraitly  if  it  had 
gone  thus.  I  fayd  I  had  never  feen  him  play. 
He  fuppofed  I  had  always  been  with  him  } 
I  fayd  I  had  not  the  entry  of  the  Senator's 
houfe.  He  chafed,  and  fayd  Frank  fliould  not 
have  gone  there  alone.  I  explained,  as  well 
as  I  could,  how  it  was.  He  thought  upon  it 
with  a  troubled  face,  and  fayd, — 

"  Well,  I  fuppofe  young  Men  muft  be 
young  Men  ...  as  Boys  will  be  Boys  ;  and 
have  been,  ever  fince  Cain  and  Abel.  His 
wife's  Fortune  muft  reconcile  me — and  they 
fliall  be  married  as  foon  as  fhe  will  name  the 
day.     He  hath  expended  a  good  deal  on  her 


lOO  The  Faire  Gofpellcr, 

already — I  fay  not  wafted  a  good  deal  on  her 
becaufe  it  hath  been  favourably  received  by 
her  family,  and  given  a  good  impreffion  of  his 
means.     Howbeit,    I    have  no  faith   in    that 
Hungarian  opal  being  genuine." 

I  fayd,  "  Opals  are  fo  diverfe,  that  I  have 
been  told  the  attempt  to  fix  a  price  on  them 
is  idle.  Each  has  its  diftinftive  beauty,  alto- 
gether independent  of  weight." 

"  You  are  fpeaking  of  the  real  thing,"  fayd  he 
impatiently, "  which  I  am  convinced  this  is  not." 

"  I  had  not  thought,"  I  fayd,  "  that  Art 
could  produce  fuch  an  exact  copy.  However, 
the  Venetians  are  very  clever,  and  the  Jews 
are  very  cunning ;  and  (under  your  favour, 
Sir  William)  the  young  are  very  guilelefs,  and 
eafy  to  be  impofed  upon." 

"  I  believe  you  have  hit  it  now,"  fayd  he, 
mollified,  "  and  the  Lad  thought  to  pleafe  me. 
Tufh,  an  Opal  as  big  as  that  would  be  worth 
a  King's  Ranfom." 

I  found  afterwards,  Mafter  Francis  had 
little  claim  to  guilcleffnefs  in  the  matter  ;  for 
when  I  told  him  Sir  William  thought  the 
Opal  not  genuine,  he  anfvvered,  "  Did  I  ever 
fay  it  was  .<*  I  did  not  think,  though,  he 
would  doubt  it." 


Mijlrefs  Anne   AJkeiv.  lOI 

I  flirewdly  opined  Mafter  Francis  had, 
after  all,  left  Venice  in  debt  ;  which  indeed 
was  the  cafe.  But  one  coil  he  had  got  into 
he  was  not  altogether  blameworthy  in.  He 
had  taken  a  fancy  to  fit  for  his  Piclure  to  a 
young  Venetian  Artift,  intending  it  for  Mif- 
trefs  Beffy,  and  had  given  Meffer  Antonio 
fundry  fittings.  Howbeit  we  left  him  and  the 
Picture  in  the  lurch  when  we  came  awav.  I 
had  read  to  him  fometimes  during  thefe  fittings, 
to  beguile  the  time,  and  likewife  in  the  hope 
to  profit  him  a  little.  Howbeit,  I  liked  not 
the  Novelle  the  painter  would  have  fupplied  ; 
and  when  I  read  a  Claffique,  Mafter  Francis, 
after  keeping  quiet  a  little,  would  make  fome 
utterly  irrelevant  remark.  Then  we  would 
fall  into  general  talk,  pleafant  enough,  becaufe 
Meffer  Antonio  was  full  of  ingenuity  ;  and  he 
would  afk  about  England,  which  Mafter 
Francis  would  defcribe  as  the  fineft  place  in 
the  world  ;  as  indeed  it  is,  for  many  things, 
but  not  in  the  way  he  intended.  He  would 
add  that  there  were  more  good  Patrons  than 
good  Painters,  and  that,  if  Meffer  Antonio 
came  over  here,  he  would  fhortly  make  his 
fortune  ;  which  was  fpoken  very  much  at 
random,  though  Meffer  Antonio  did  not  know 


102  The  Faire  Go/pdlcr, 

it.  One  of  my  fancies  was  whether  Meffer 
Antonio  might  not  put  him  to  his  wit's  end 
fome  day,  by  prefenting  himfelf,  with  his 
great,  iinpaid-for  Piclure,  at  the  Gate. 

Mafler  Francis  was  very  much  obliged  to 
me  for  not  telHng  about  Cornaro's  loan. 
Where  he  got  the  Money  to  repay  it,  I  know 
not ;  but  he  came  to  me  one  day  to  get  me  to 
write  in  his  name  to  the  Senator,  he  not  being 
converfant  enough  with  Italian  fpelling  to  do 
it  himfelf,  and  acquit  him  of  the  debt,  at  the 
fame  time  thanking  him  handfomely  for  the 
affiftance  in  his  moment  of  unlooked-for 
need. 

After  this,  his  thoughts  turned  chiefly  to 
his  approaching  wedding.  Mr.  Ned  Britain 
went  back  to  his  Law-Courts  at  Term- 
time  ;  Sir  William  was  on  his  legs  again, 
though  tottery  ;  and  my  Lady  obtained  from 
him  the  obje6l  of  her  Defire,  which  was  a 
Scarlet  Satin  Gown. 

Mr.  Thomas  Kyme  was  now  admitted  to 
formal  vifits  at  the  Hall,  as  Miflrefs  Patty's 
declared  lover  ;  fhc  was  always  demure  and 
ftately  at  fuch  times,  and  feemcd,  to  me,  a6l- 
ing  a  part.  His  own  demeanour  was  fcarce 
lefs  conftrained ;  fo  there  was  little  love  loll 


Mijlrtfs   Anne  AJlceiv.  103 

between  them.  But  how  changed  flie  was 
from  a  girl !  She  would  ftill,  when  no  one 
was  by  to  check  her,  fport  and  romp  with 
her  younger  brothers  and  fifters,  and  rufli 
down  the  ftairs  and  bounce  into  the  rooms  ; 
but  it  was  as  though  Ihe  were  only  trying  to 
run  away  from  herfelf  You  might  hear  her 
loud  laugh  all  over  the  houfe  ;  and  hear  it 
flop  fliort  in  the  midft.  Meeting  her  the  next 
moment,  fhe  would  look  as  if  flie  had  never 
laughed  in  her  life  ;  dreary  as  a  cloiftered 
Nun.  She  was  grown  thin  and  haggard. 
What  a  change  from  the  blooming  Miftrefs 
Patty ! 

Meeting  her  thus  in  the  Gallery,  I  would 
turn  into  the  Book-room,  and  there  find 
Miftrefs  Anne,  pure  as  a  pearl,  beauteous  as 
a  nymph,  kneeling  before  a  great  Folio,  with 
her  hands  over  her  ears,  and  her  eyes  de- 
vouring the  open  page.  I  found  her  bent 
was  now  wholly  to  polemical  ftudies ;  fhe 
was  quite  verfed  in  all  the  queftions  of  the 
day.  'Twas  no  good  now  to  fliut  the  flable- 
door ;  the  fteed  had  found  his  own  way  out, 
and  was  pafturing  at  his  own  free  will, 
Thofe  paftures  were  green  and  frefh,  befide 
living  waters. 


I04  The  Fairc  Go/pel ler. 

Once,  when  I  would  gently  have  drawn  the 
Bible  out  of  her  hand,  flie  fmiled  in  ray  face 
and  fayd, — 

"  To  no  ufe,  Nicholas.  I  have  it  all  here, 
and  here," — touching  firll  her  forehead  and 
then  her  heart. 

The  Reformation  had  made  great  ftrides 
during  my  abfence,  and  many  were  fearching 
the  Scriptures  in  the  fpirit  of  the  intelligent 
Bereans. 

Even  Mafter  Francis  had  entertained  the 
fubject,  in  a  fuperficial  fort  of  way,  while 
abroad  ;  and  while  he  brought  home  a  falfe 
opal  for  his  ftep-mother,  a  Venice-glafs  for 
his  father,  a  flilctto  for  his  brother  Ned,  and 
a  carved  fan  for  his  eldeft  fifter,  he  brought 
home  an  Italian  Bible  (the  fame  I  had  covet- 
ed) for  his  "  fifter  Nan." 

So  fhe  read  this  unreproved,  keeping  it  in 
her  poucn,  and  drawing  it  out  whenever  flie 
lifted  ;  anfwering  briefly,  whenever  the  quef- 
tion  was  put,  "  Nan,  what  art  about .'' " 
"  Reading  Italian." 

I  found  her  coufin  Britain  had  difcourfed 
with  her  a  good  deal  on  religious  matters. 
His  own  mind  fecmed  to  be  in  an  inquiring 
flate. 


SECTION  VII. 


Of   Weddings  and  Burials. 


MUST  haften  onward  to  Mafter 
Francis'  Marriage,  and  remark  by 
the  way  that  his  Italian  flame  had 
burnt  out  as  fpeedily  as  Tow  or 
Flax,  fo  evanefcent  are  the  impreffions  of 
many  young  People, 

The  Nuptials  were  folemnized  with  much 
State :  I  walked  over  to  South  Kelfey  to  wit- 
nefs  them  ;  and  before  they  took  place,  Mat- 
ter Francis  went  up  to  Court  and  was  knight- 
ed by  King  Henry,  during  the  feftivities  in 
honour  of  Queen  Anne  Boleyn.  This  was 
about  Whitfuntide,  1534:  and  ye  may  be 
fure,  a  good  deal  was  thought  of  it  at  South 
Kelfey,  as  alfo  at  Stallingboro'. 

After  the  wedding  feftivities  were  ended, 
we  fubfided  into  great  quiet.     It  was  then  T 


io6  The  Fa  ire  Gofpellcr, 

began  to  lay  the  foundation  ftone  of  ni^ 
Treatyfe  on  the  Adornment  of  Gardens,  and 
build  it  up  day  by  day.  How  calm  and  happy 
an  occupation  it  was  !  I  foon  found  I  could 
beft  elucidate  it  by  marginal  defigns,  which 
indeed  were  not  very  well  done,  but  yet  there 
was  nobody  about  me  that  could  do  better,  or 
as  well ;  and  as  I  coloured  them  in  the  Vene- 
tian ftyle  (at  leaft  as  near  as  I  could  come  to 
it)  the  effect  to  the  eye  was  agreeable.  His 
Honour  Sir  William  took  confiderable  intereft 
in  this  my  work,  would  watch  me  at  it,  and 
daily  after  dinner  cry,  "  Well  Moldwarp,  how 
are  you  getting  on  now  .''  Let  us  fee," — and 
then  would  leifurely  begin  at  the  very  begin- 
ning and  turn  over  page  after  page,  remark- 
ing as  he  proceeded,  without  Satiety,  which 
was  fingularly  acceptable  to  my  unworthy 
felf,  and  proved  a  great  fpur  to  the  accom- 
plifhment  of  my  Tafk.  As  for  Miftrefs  Anne, 
fhe  would  rub  my  paints,  wafh  my  brufties, 
and  do  anything  I  would  let  her  to  help  me, 
fo  that  we  were  very  harmlefflie  happy.  And 
my  opinion  is,  that  whatever  felf-gratulation 
may  attend  the  completion  of  a  work,  or 
whatever  praife  from  others  it  may  elicit,  the 
true  reward  is  in  the  production  thereof. 


Mijbefs   Anne  AJkew.  107 

When  my  poor  work  was  completed,  it  was 
a  notion  of  fome  of  Sir  William's  guefts,  to 
whom  he  made  me  exhibit  it,  that  the  King's 
Grace  would  be  pleafed  to  accept  the  Dedica- 
tion of  it  to  himfelf  ;  and  though  I  was  fome- 
what  in  dread  of  fo  afpiring  a  ftep,  I  was 
urged  on  to  it,  and  finally,  through  Sir  Wil- 
liam's abetting  the  fame,  it  was  brought  to 
pafs.  Enough  of  this  toy  ;  maybe  I  fhould 
have  omitted  its  mention  altogether  ;  but  old 
age  is  garrulous. 

Sir  William  having  married  his  Son,  would 
needs  next  compleat  the  Marriage  of  his 
eldeft  Daughter  in  the  enfuing  Autumn. 
Now  Miftrefs  Patty  having,  as  I  have  here- 
tofore rehearfed,  fallen  much  out  of  health, 
which  at  firft  no  one  feemed  to  notice,  began 
to  have  long  fwoonings,  which  no  one  could 
choofe  but  notice,  fmce  fhe  loft  or  nearly  loft 
her  fenfes,  her  lips  and  alfo  nails  turned  blue, 
her  face  aftien  grey  and  clammy.  One  of 
thefe  fwoonings  occurring  on  a  day  that  the 
Marriage  had  been  much  fpoken  of.  Sir 
William  attributed  it  to  fome  milliking  on  her 
part,  and  was  offended  at  her  indifpofition 
and  would  make  no  account  of  it,  but  begged 
he  might  hear  no  more  of  her  till  (lie  got 


I08  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

better.  Thereon,  flie  no  fooner  came  to  her- 
felf,  than  Miftrefs  Anne  led  her  gently  into 
the  open  air  to  a  bench  aneath  my  Lattice, 
and  I  heard  her  fvveet,  tender  chiding  of  her 
fifter,  and  how  flie  fayd,  "  Dear  Patty,  my 
Father  thinks  you  give  way  too  much,  and 
that,  if  you  would  roufe  yourfelf  when  the 
fwooning  is  coming  on,  you  might  keep  it  off 
altogether." 

But  (lie  only  wept  and  fayd,  "  Chide  me  not, 
Nan,  for  thou  haft  ever  been  kind  to  me.  I 
can  no  more  help  it  than  I  can  help  breathing. 
I  hear  every  word  you  fay,  but  fpeak  I  cannot 
while  that  deadly  ficknefs  lafls,  which  comes 
on  every  fifth  day." 

When  I  heard  her  fay  that,  I  thought, 
"  Why,  'tis  an  ague  fhe  hath  gotten,  and  of  the 
worft  kind.  How  came  we  never  to  guefs  it 
before } " 

So  I  haftened  to  name  it  to  Sir  William, 
who  at  firft  would  not  credit  it  ;  but  at  length 
perceiving  its  likelihood,  he  did  fend  for  the 
Court  Phyfician,  who  came  down  at  great 
charges,  and,  after  examination  of  the  cafe, 
pronounced  it  double  Tertian  Ague.  Thereon 
Mifs  Patty  had  to  drink  Mulled  Wine,  infufed 
with  certain  Medicaments,  but  above  all  to  be 


Mijlrefs  Amte  AJkew.  109 

removed,  not  only  from  the  vicinage  of  the 
Moat,  which  indeed  was  that  feafon  full 
noifome,  but  leave  Lincolnfhire  for  a  while 
altogether.  Thus  llie  returned  to  her  Court 
friends  for  fome  months,  and  got  quite  well ; 
fo  that  it  was  fettled  flie  fliould  be  married  in 
the  Spring. 

That  was  the  Spring  in  which  the  unhappy 
Lady  Anne  Boleyn  came  by  her  violent  Death 
on  the  19th  of  May,  1536  ;  but  that  concerneth 
not  this  prefent  hiftory. 

In  the  early  fpring  of  that 'year,  the  Houfe 
Porter  came  to  me  and  fayd  there  was  an  out- 
landifh  Stranger  at  the  Gate,  whom  no  one 
could  underftand.  I  went  forth  to  prove  him 
with  Languages  ;  and  who  fliould  he  be  but 
Meffer  Antonio,  the  Venetian  painter,  whc, 
taking  Sir  Francis  at  his  word,  had  found  his 
way  over  to  us,  expe6ling  great  patronage.  I 
told  him  Sir  William  was  from  home,  and  Sir 
Francis  married  and  fettled  in  another  neigh- 
bourhood, which  greatly  difgufted  him  ;  and 
he  feeming  quite  at  his  wit's  end,  I  bade  him 
come  in  and  take  fome  refrefliment.  At  this 
juncture.  Sir  William  luckily  rode  up  with  his 
Hawk  on  his  fift,  and  looked  inquiringly  at 
the  fallow  ftranger.     When  I  did  him  to  wit 


no  The  Faire  Gofpcller, 

who  he  was,  he  fayd  he  muft  by  no  means  lie 
caft  adrift,  fince  his  Son  had  invited  him  over; 
fo,  to  my  great  relief  as  well  as  that  of  the 
poor  Painter,  he  bade  me  receive  and  entertain 
him  till  Sir  Francis  fhould  be  advifed  of  his 
coming. 

When  he  had  wafhed  and  fed  and  was  reft- 
ing  himfelf,  we  had  much  talk  of  Venice  the 
Beautiful  and  what  was  doing  there,  and  how 
he  came  to  think  of  journeying  to  us  (which  I 
eventually  gathered  was  for  ftabbing  a  Rival, 
only  at  firft  he  made  as  though  it  were  folely 
on  Sir  Francis'  account).  He  had  met  with 
ftrange  Mifadventures  by  the  way,  and  called 
Lincolnfliire  "  quejla  brutta  paefe."  I  do  not 
wonder  at  an  Italian  thinking  it  fo. 

To  be  fhort — he  painted  that  goodly  Pidlure 
of  Miftrefs  Anne,  which  is  now,  for  want  of 
care,  going  to  ruin  ;  and  he  painted  Sir  Wil- 
liam and  my  Lady,  and  then  went  to  South 
Kelfey  and  painted  Sir  Francis  and  Dame 
Elizabeth  Afkew.  After  this  we  loft  fight  of 
him,  but  I  underftood  that  Sir  Francis  was 
fomewhat  anxious  to  get  rid  of  him,  and  fent 
him  up  to  London,  telling  him  he  would  be  fure 
of  patronage,  which,  however,  he  found  not ; 
for  Toto  di  Nanziata  and  Bartolomeo  Penni 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJIcezu.  1 1 1 

were  beforehand  with  him  ;  and  what  became 
eventually  of  the  poor  fellow  I  do  not 
know, 

Miftrefs  Patty  now  returning  home,  Mafter 
Kyme  would  play  the  impatient  Lover,  and 
infift  on  her  naming  the  day,  which  the  did, 
and  fhe  had  already  brought  her  own  confent 
to  it,  and  brought  many  fine  things  from  Lon- 
don, including  a  five-pointed  Head-tire  for 
Miftrefs  Anne,  who  had  hitherto  worn  but  a 
coif  Brothers  and  coufins  were  fummoned 
about  us  ;  the  houfe  was  full  of  Guefls  ;  re- 
becks and  recorders  were  tuning  ;  rich  diflies 
prepared  ;  fumptuous  clothes  provided — and 
on  one  fatal  day,  when  they  were  riding  on  the 
banks  of  the  Humber  and  a  fog  came  on, 
Miftrefs  Patty  took  a  cold,  and  became  fo  ill, 
file  was  forced  to  take  to  her  Bed,  which  (he 
never  left  alive. 

I  ne'er  knew  a  man  more  put  out  by  difap- 
pointment  than  was  Mafter  Kyme.  It  was 
not  Grief,  fo  much  as  Indignation  that  his 
Will  fhould  be  thwarted.  For  a  few  days,  it 
was  hoped  the  Sicknefs  would  pafs  oft",  and 
the  Guefls  ftayed  on.  But  when  the  Shadow 
of  Death  fell  on  the  Houfe,  they  all  difap- 
peared  like  the  Swallows,  in  a  Day,  and  only 


112  The  Fairc  Gofpcller, 

huQied  voices  and  muffled  footfteps  were 
heard.  When  they  told  her  flie  muft  die, 
file  cried,  "  Oh,  I  cannot — oh,  fave  me,  fave 
me  !" — and  wept  fore.  Her  Father,  her  Step- 
mother, would  comfort  her  in  vain.  The  old 
Chaplain  effayed  his  befl. — Ihe  would  none  of 
him.  She  kept  crying,  "  Oh,  leave  me  with 
my  fifter  Nan!"  —  which  at  laft  they 
did. 

How  Miftrefs  Anne  miniftered  to  her 
unquiet  fpirit  and  brought  peace,  fhe  onlie 
knew. 

After  a  long  time,  when  Sir  William  and 
my  Lady  went  in  to  them,  Miftrefs  Patty  was 
peacefully  ebbing  away,  Miftrefs  Anne,  with 
her  arms  about  her,  lying  by  her  fide,  Miftrefs 
Patty  opened  her  eyes — fayd,  "  Kifs  me, 
Nan" — then  fuddenly  looking  upward,  ex- 
claimed, "  Behold  where  He  is  !  "  and  fo 
died. 

It  was  very  piteoufe,  and  much  dwelt  on  in 
the  country.  Sir  WilKam  felt  it  much,  but 
his  trouble  uttered  not  itlclf  in  words  ;  only 
in  fighs.  This  was  the  firll;  Death-bed 
Miftrefs  Anne  had  feen  ;  but  it  did  not  fcare 
her  with  any  terrors.  She  fhed  tears  of 
fweet  affection  ;    and  thenceforth  was  habi^ 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJlccw.  113 

tiiallie  grave.  She  would  often  unconfciouflj 
ceafe  from  what  flie  was  about,  and  feem 
looking  into  the  unfeen  World.  When 
Mafter.  Edmund  Ikitain  occafionally  came 
down  to  the  Hall,  fhe  would  affe6l  his  com- 
panie  more  than  anie  elfe ;  there  was  no 
lev'itie  in  their  talk,  nor  any  love-making ; 
though  I  ufed  to  think  they  might  be  Lovers 
by  and  by.  They  would  difcourfe  of  high 
and  holy  themes,  like  Brother  and  Sifter,  or 
very  dear  Friends  .  ,  .  which  was  what  they 
were.  She  would  queftion  him  much  con- 
cerning the  i^rogrefs  the  Reformers  were 
making,  and  of  the  checks  they  gat  from  the 
King.  And  thus  flie  went  on  to  about  eight- 
een years  of  age. 

During  thefe  faddened  and  filent  years,  we 
had  feen  little  or  nothing  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Kyme ;  but  now  he  rode  over  with  Sir 
Francis,  and  paid  Sir  William  a  vifit  of  fome 
duration.  What  they  devifed  between  'em, 
we  only  knew  by  the  Confequents. 

After  fome  refle6lion,  when  they  were 
gone.  Sir  William  fent  for  Miftrefs  Anne. 
She  came  in  to  me  afterwards,  and  fat  down 
and  fobbed  bitterly.  I  afked  her  what  was 
her   grief.     She   faid,    "  My   Father   fayth    I 


114  '^^'■^  Fa  ire  GofpcUcr, 

muft  marry."  I  fayd,  "  Sure  that  muft  happen 
firft  or  lafl.  Who  would  let  a  fair  Daughter 
remain  fingle  all  her  life  ?  "  She  fayd,  "  But 
I  am  quite  young  yet — I  told  him  fo.  There's 
no  hurry."  I  fayd,  "  All  young  Gentlewomen 
fay  thofe  things."  She  fayd,  "I  don't  care 
what  all  young  Gentlewomen  fay,"  and  wept 
on.  After  a  paufe,  I  fayd,  "Who  is  the 
Party.?"  "Did  I  not  teil  you.?"  fayd  flie, 
looking  up.  "  Who,  of  all  others,  but  Mafter 
Kyme.?"  "Mafter  Kyme ! "  repeated  I  in 
amaze  ;  and  had  not  a  word  to  proffer. 

"You  may  well  be  furprifed,  Nicholas," 
fayd  fhe,  "but  my  Father  declares  it  fhall  be, 
and  foon  too.  Oh !  I  had  much  rather 
die." 

I  fayd,  "  We  muft  not  take  the  name  of  the 
King  of  Terrors  in  vain.  Here  is  no  queftion 
of  dying:  it  only  concerns  a  thing  you  don't 
like—" 

"  And  cannot  do,"  interpofed  fhe. 

"Well,  well,"  fayd  I,  "let  us  fee  how  things 
will  turn." 

They  did  not  turn.  Sir  William  would  not 
turn:  Mr.  Kyme  was  not  to  be  turned:  more 
by  token  he  had  received  half  of  Miftrefs 
Patty's  portion  in  advance,  which  Sir  William 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkeiv.  1 1 5 

had  no  mind  to  lofe,  nor  he  to  give  up.  Sure, 
that  was  the  forrovvfuleft  time  the  Houfe  had 
yet  known ;  forrier,  by  far,  than  IMiftrefs 
Patty's  death,  becaufe  this  had  much  bitter- 
nefs  in  it.  It  made  ill  words  all  round.  Lady 
Alkew  fayd,  "  Sir  William,  I  muft  fay  you  too 
much  urge  your  daughter."  He  fayd  fternly, 
"  In  the  good  old  times  the  difobedience  of 
children  was  punifhable  by  death."  "  Good 
old  times,  quotha,"  muttered  Mafter  Roger; 
for  which  he  was  fent  to  his  chamber  fupper- 
lefs. 

Sir  Francis  was  had  over  to  talk  with  his 
fifter,  becaufe  that,  aforetime,  they  had  been 
very  fond  of  one  another.  After  a  long  talk 
with  her  in  the  withdrawing-room,  he  rofe  as 
if  to  leave,  but  beckoned  her  after  him  ;  and 
brought  her,  his  arm  about  her  waift,  into  the 
Book-room,  fhe  with  her  eyes  fwollen  with 
crying.  He  fayd,  "  By  your  leave.  Mold- 
warp,"  and  went  on  as  if  I  had  been  a  Chair 
or  a  Table.  He  fayd,  "  Sweet  Nan,  come  tell 
me,  your  own  dear  Brother,  where  the  flioe 
pinches.  Don't  fend  me  home  with  a 
troubled  heart — have  we  not  alway  loved  one 
another } "  "  Indeed  we  have,  Frank,"  fhe 
fayth,     crying.        "Well     then,     what     is't  ? 


Ii6  The  Faire  Gofpellcr, 

Where's  the  hitch  ?  Never  mind  telling 
me, — I  won't  tell  again."  "  I  can't  love  him, 
Frank."  "  Nay,  but  why  1  He's  a  per- 
fonable  Man — a  right  worthy  Gentleman." 
"  I  think  differently.  I  think  him  harfh, 
difagreeable,  and  ugly."  "  Oh  fie  for  fhame  ! 
thofe  are  not  words  for  a  Lady's  mouth." 
"  Our  minds  do  not  accord  in  one  fingle 
point."  "Tulh!"  "Tell  me  now,  Frank, 
you  who  have  an  ear  for  Mufique,  what  Con- 
cert Ihould  that  be  in  which  you  played  one 
tune  on  the  Viol-di-Gamba,  and  Sifter  Befs 
played  another  tune  on  the  Flute  .'' "  He 
laughed  immoderately  and  fayd,  "A  moft 
horrible  Difcord."  "Then  that's  jufl  the 
Concert  Mafter  Kyme  and  I  fnould  make 
together,"  fayd  fhe  quickly.  He  laughed  on, 
and  I  thought,  forced  his  merriment  to  cover 
his  difficulty.  But  fhe  fayd,  "  You  may  laugh 
an'  you  will ;  'tis  no  laughing  matter  to  me. 
Tell  me  now,  Frank,  can  I  be  compelled  by 
Law  of  the  Country,  to  be  married  whether  I 
will  or  no } "  He  flood  at  paufe,  and  fa3'd, 
"  Why,  no."  "  Then  will  I  never  marry 
Mafler  Kyme  !  "  "I  tell  you  what.  Nan  ;  I 
fee  what  it  is,  and  will  not  mince  it.  You 
love  another  man." 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew.  Ii7 

She  coloured  fcarlet,  and  fayd,  "  I  don't !  " 
But  he  fayd,  "  O  yes  you  do,  and  that  makes 
you  fo  difficult."  "  Who,  pray  ? "  "  Non 
importa.  No  need  to  mention  names.  Yon 
know,  and  /  know."  And  he  held  her  firm 
and  looked  full  into  her  eyes. 

She  fayd,  "  I  will  not  bear  this.  You  may 
look  as  you  will,  and  think  wliat  you  will, 
but  you  are  quite  miftaken."  "  What  makes 
you  colour  fo,  then.-'  Juft  look  at  her, 
Moldwarp ! "  "  Sir,  fir,"  fayd  I,  in  remon- 
flrance. 

But  Ihe  rc'^urned  his  look  intrepidly,  though 
her  cheek,  brow,  and  neck  were  flill  incarna- 
.dined,  and  fayd,  "  It  is  as  I  fay :  I  tell  no  lie. 
My  heart  is  my  own :  who  is  there,  I  pray, 
to  give  it  to  .'' "  He  ftill  kept  his  eye  on  her, 
and  fayd  deliberately,  "  Edmund  Britain." 
"Poor  dear  Edmund  ;  muft  Jie  be  brought 
in  .'* "  cried  flie,  with  almofl;  merriment, 
though  her  colour  yet  augmented.  "  Indeed, 
I  remember  he  ufed  to  call  me  his  little  wife, 
but  he  left  that  off  long  ere  he  went  to  Col- 
lege ;  and,  I  think,  would  not  have  me  if  I 
afked  him." 

Sir  Francis  only  replied,  "  Nan,  Nan,  1 
have  your  fecret,"  and  turned  to  the  door 


ii8 


The  Faire  Gojpeller. 


"  Faithful  friends  don't  betray  fecrets, — fup« 
pofing  it  one,"  fayd  fhe  quickly.  But  he  waa 
gone. 


SECTION  VIII. 


Springes  to  catch  a  poor  Bird. 


FTER  this,  there  was  a  dull  fort  of 
quiete  in  the  Houfe  for  a  few  days, 
though  I  wift  that  Letters  were 
privilie  exchanged  betwixt  Sir  Wil- 
liam and  his  Son.  On  the  third  day,  Sir 
Francis  and  his  Lady  rode  over  to  Dinner, 
and  invdted  Miftrefs  Anne  to  fpend  a  week 
with  them,  which,  confent  being  obtained,  fhe 
was  full  faine  to  do,  and  thankful  to  them  for 
afking  her. 

At  dinner-time,  Sir  William  looking  to- 
ward his  fon,  fayd  in  a  loud,  clear  voice,  "  I 
fuppofe  you  have  heard  of  this  projected 
Marriage  of  Edmund  Britain's  .-•  " 

"  No,  indeed,"  returns  Sir  Francis  ;  "  what, 
is  it  a  settled  thing,  then  .-*     I  had  not  fui> 


120  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

pofed  anything  ferious  in  that  quarter.  What, 
hath  the  Lady  money  ? " 

"  Not  much  of  that,  I  believe,"  fayd  Sir 
WilHam,  flightly ;  and  began  to  fpeak  of  a 
different  matter,  I  ftole  a  look  at  Miflrefs 
Anne,  from  where  I  fate  at  the  Side-table, 
and  noted  her  eye-lids  tremble  a  little,  which 
was  all  the  emotion  flie  fliowed. 

Mafter  Kyme  came  not  near  us  while  fhe 
was  away,  and  I  heard  he  abftained  equally 
from  going  to  South  Kelfey. 

I  was  only  a  byftander ;  had  neither  right 
nor  difpofition  to  interfere  in  the  Game  ; 
neverthelefs  I  had  my  own  proper  thoughts 
and  notions  ;  and  one  of  them  was  that  this 
ftory  of  Mafter  Britain's  engagement  was  a 
fabrication  ;  but  the  fcene  was  fuificiently 
well  enacted  to  have  the  force  of  truth  to  a 
guilelefs  young  mind. 

Have  you  feen  Kelfey  Hall,  Sir  .''  It  is  a 
moated  Manfion,  added  to  at  different  periods, 
which  gives  it  an  irregularity  that  to  my  eye 
is  by  no  means  unpleafing.  It  hath  a  small 
Court  in  front,  furrounded  by  a  wall  with 
odtangular  turrets  at  each  corner,  and  a  hand- 
fome  Gate-way  in  the  middle.  On  one  fide 
the  Entrance  Porch,  the  Mullioned  Windows 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJkew.  121 

have  five  lights ;  on  the  other  side,  only  four. 
There  are  little,  ftepped  Gables  over  the 
Dormer  Windows. 

Miftrefs  Anne  had  been  fo  little  from  home, 
and  Sir  Francis  and  his  Lady,  being  young 
and  fond  of  pleafure,  kept  fuch  different  State 
from  Sir  William,  that  flie  enjoyed  her  fojouni 
with  them  exceedingly.  They  rode,  they 
hawked,  they  played  with  Bows  and  Arrows, 
they  fang  Madrigals  and  played  on  ftringed 
and  wind  Inftruments,  and  made  her  time 
pafs  as  pleafantlie  as  they  could  ;  giving  her 
to  underftand  by  the  w^ay,  that  all  thefe 
Delices  would  be  at  her  command  when  Ihe 
was  wedded  to  Mafter  Kyme.  Sure  'twas 
ingenioufly  done. 

Then,  when  llie  came  back,  Mafter  Kyme 
rode  over  and  brought  her  a  rare  jewel  ;  an 
Emerald,  with  three  pear-fhaped  pendants  ; 
but  fhe  contemned  it.  He  told  her  how  much 
it  had  coft  him,  and  fayd  the  jewel  was  with- 
out flaw.  Then,  fayd  fhe,  "  That's  a  great 
deal  to  fay  of  an  Emerald,  and  more  than  can 
be  honeftly  fayd  of  any  living  creature  ;  leafl 
of  all,  of  me." 

"  I  wift  not  you  had  any  flaw,"  quod  he. 
"  O    yes,  Sir ;    a   very   unyielding   Temper " 

6 


122  The  Faire  Gofpeller^ 

"  Since  /ou  trow  that  to  be  a  flaw,  which 
in  footh  it  is,"  returns  he,  "no  doubt  you  will 
flrive  for  grace  to  mend  it."  "In  reafonable 
things,  but  not  unreafonable."  "  How  mean 
you  by  that  ?  "  fayd  he.  "  I  mean  that  there 
are  things  in  which  others  would  fometimes 
have  me  yield,  that  they  deem  reafonable,  but 
I,  unreafonable."  "  Oh,  Miflrefs  Anne,  there 
is  a  certain  guide  for  that.  Ye  fliould  abide 
by  the  judgment  of  your  Elders."  "  How  if 
they  are  not  my  Betters  } "  "  That  query 
favoureth  not  of  a  humble  mind."  "  How  if 
my  Elders  are  at  iffue  between  themfelves  .■' 
But  there  !  I'm  tired  of  it !  "  fayd  fhe,  fling- 
ing away  a  Carnation  fhe  had  been  pulling  to 
pieces. 

Mafter  Kyme  looked  at  her  from  under 
his  thick,  black  brows,  as  though  he  hoped  to 
make  her  fmg  another  Song,  another  Day. 
But  fhe  faw  him  not,  for  her  face  was  turned 
afide,  and  pouting.  She  had  a  weary  time  of 
it,  day  by  day  :  all  pleafant  Talk  was  chafed 
away  by  Altercation.  One  day,  when  flie  was 
leaving  the  room  in  a  huff,  fhe  ran  againft 
fome  one  in  the  Doorway  and  fayd,  "  Oh, 
Edmund,  is  it  thou  .?"  and  began  to  cry.  He 
fayd,  "  Why,  Nan,  what's  the  matter  ?     You 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  1 23 

ufed  to  be  all  Smiles  and  no  Tears."  "  'Tis 
juft  the  other  way  now  then,"  fayd  lli-e,  "  for 
\  am  badgered  from  morn  till  night."  "  By 
whom  .'' "  fayd  he,  taking  her  by  the  hand  and 
drawing  her  to  a  chair,  and  then  fitting  over 
againft  her  on  a  Stool.  She  hung  her  head 
and  fayd,  "  By  my  Father  moftly."  "  I  fup- 
pofe,"  fayth  he,  "  you  know  the  firft  command- 
ment with  promife.^"  "You  think  to  flop 
my  mouth  with  that,"  fayth  flie,  fofter,  and 
looking  down.  "  Dear  Nan,"  he  returns  very 
kindly,  "  you  accept  the  whole  canon  of  Scrip- 
ture, do  you  not  t  "  "  Why,  of  courfe  I  do." 
"  You  deem  it  a  great  and  glorious  thing  that 
Cranmer  has  done,  to  fet  up  a  copy  of  Cover- 
dale's  Bible  in  the  choir  of  every  Church,  for 
public  ufe  .'' "  "  Indeed  I  do,"  flie  cries,  her 
bright  eyes  raifed  and  beaming.  "  You  are 
ready  to  abide  by  it  to  the  death."  "Aye,  I 
hope  I  am,  God  being  my  Helper."  "  Now 
fee  how  witlefs  a  thing  it  is,  Nan,  to  be  willing 
to  die  for  it,  and  not  to  live  by  it."  "  How 
mean  you  .''  "  fayd  fhe,  regarding  him  wiflfully. 
"  I  know  not  any  warrant  we  have,"  he  pur- 
fued,  "  for  obeying  one  part  of  Scripture  and 
not  another :  onlie  picking  out  our  favourite 
texts  in  it.     The  wickedeft  finner  that  ever 


124  '^^^  Faire  Cofpeller, 

lived  might  even  his  conduft  by  it  that  way. 
He  that  fayd  Thou  flialt  not  kill,  said  Thou 
flialt  not  fteal :  now,  if  thou  kill  not,  yet  if  thou 
fteal,  thou  haft  broken  the  Law."     "  Of  course ; 
that's  the  fubftance  of  St.  Paul's  argument," 
fayth  Ihe.     "  We  are  fmners  all."     "  He  that 
fayd  Thou  fhalt  not  fteal,  fayd  alfo  Honour 
thy  Father  and  thy  Mother,"  continued  he. 
"  Now,  if  thou  fteal   not,  yet  if  thou  difho- 
noureft  thy   Father  and  Mother,  thou  tranf- 
greffeft  the  Law."     "To  difahow  is  not  to  dif- 
honour,"  fayd  flie,  looking  troubled.     "  Tut ! 
what  is   to   difallow  but  to  difhonour  ?     We 
diflionour  thofe  we  difobey  and  contravert." 
"  I  fee  they  have  had  you  here  on  purpofe  to 
put  me  down  with  your  Subtileties,"  fayth  fhe, 
beginning   to   weep.     "  On    my   Honour   no, 
Nan.     I    came    down    of    my  own    Accord, 
and  on  no  Invitation."     It  was    eafy  to   fee 
what  great    Relief  fhe    received  on    hearing 
this. 

"O,  Ned,"  fayth  flie,  "you  joy  my  heart; 
and  fmce  I  think  you  the  beft  friend  I  have, 
advife  me,  I  befeech  you,  in  this  fore  ftrait." 
"  Right  willingly,  and  without  Fee,"  quoth  lie 
playfully.  "  Show  me  what  the  ftrait  is." 
"  Sure  you    know  the  difficulty    I    am    now 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJIcczv.  125 

in  ?"  fhe  fayth.  But  he  looked  all  abroad, 
though  I  trow  he  knew  it  well  enough  in 
his  heart.  He  would  compel  her  to  fpeak^ 
which  fhe  did  faltering,  and  plucking  at  her 
Apron. 

"  Why,  about  Mafler  Kyme."  "  What  about 
Mailer  Kyme  .-' "  "  You  know  he  was  to  have 
had  Patty."  "  I  know  he  was  to  have 
had  Patty."  "  Patty  died."  "  I  know  that 
too."  "  Is  that  any  reafon  he  fliould  have 
me  { 

"  That  depends,"  fayd  he,  with  a  pleafant 
fmile,  and  fliifting  his  pofbure.  "  Is  there  any 
reafon  he  fhould  not  ?  "  "  Yes,  if  there's  not 
mutual  Liking."  "  I  conclude  he  likes  you." 
"  But  I  know  I  don't  like  him." 

"  Your  obje6lions,  yourobjeftions,"  fayd  he, 
flicking  his  hand  with  his  glove. 

"  Oh,  I  can't  count  them  all,  they're  fo 
many ;  I  like  him  in  nothing — diflike  him  in 
everything." 

"  If  you  were  my  fifter,  Nan,  I  might  a(k 
...  do  you  like  any  one  better  .'' " 

"  All  the  world  !  every  one ! "  fayd  flie 
brifkly,  which  took  him  fo  by  furprife  he 
could  not  help  laughing. 

"  Well,"  fayd  he,  "  I  don't  fee  my  way  out  of 


126  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

tliis— -"  "  How  can  you  wonder  that  I  don't  ?" 
"  How,  indeed  ? "  repeated  he,  gravely,  and 
regarding  her  wuth  attention.  "  You  are  but 
young  yet,  and  know  not  that  Life  is  full  of 
forrow." 

"  O  but  I  do,"  returns  Ihe,  weeping.  "  Have 
not  I  loft  Patty.?" 

"  Aye,"  fayd  he,  "  and  I  loft  a  dear  Friend 
no  great  while  back.  It  made  me  fo  fick  at 
heart  that  I  came  to  this  conclufion  .  .  . 
There's  no  good  or  Stay  in  this  Life  at  all, 
but  only  to  do  one's  Duty  in  it.  But  you 
cannot  underftand  or  feel  this." 

"  Indeed  but  I  can,  though,"  quoth  flie. 

"  There's  no  good  nor  Stay  in  this  Life, 
fave  to  do  one's  Duty  in  it,"  repeated  he  after 
paufmg.  "  And  this  Life,  how  fliort !  a  mere 
Breath — a  Bubble.  It  is  the  prelude  to  a 
Life  that  fliall  never  end.  How  mad,  then, 
to  fet  the  Pleafure  of  this  little  Life  before  its 
Duty!" 

"  I  don't  want  to  do  that,"  fayd  fhe,  humblie. 

"  I  know  you  don't." 

"  But  I  want  to  know  what  my  Duty  is," 

"  If  I  fhow  it  you,  will  you  engage  to  per- 
form it  .•'  Otherwife  I  may  fpare  myfclf  the 
trouble." 


Mijlrcfs    Anne  AJkcw.  127 

"Well,    then,— I    will,"    fayd    fhe,   hcfitat- 


mg. 


"  You  will !  " 

"  Yes,  I  will." 

He  took  her  hand  for  a  moment. 

"  Duty  very  often  comes  in  the  very  fliape 
we  do  not  wifli.  The  old  Chinefe  Philofo- 
pher  fayd,  that  when  he  was  undecided  which 
was  the  beft  between  two  courfes,  he  gene- 
rally found  it  fafeft  to  take  the  moft  Untempt- 
ing.  Every  thinking  Perfon  knows  (only  the 
general  don't  think)  that  there  are  two  great 
Antagonifts  engaged  in  conftant  Warfare — 
the  World,  and  Heavenly  Wifdom.  Now, 
there  is  fo  much  that  is  dear  to  us,  on  the 
fide  of  the  World  !  And  Satan,  like  a  cun- 
ning General,  puts  the  very  deareft  thing  we 
have,  which  he  holds  as  Hoftage,  in  the  front 
Rank  of  his  forces  ! — thinking  we  will  not  ftir 
againft  it.     Do  you  fee  '^.  " 

"  Yes,  Ned,"  with  a  deep  figh.  I  was  fure 
how  the  matter  would  end  after  this. 

"  Well,"  fayth  fhe,  after  long  thinking,  "  if  I 
muft,  I  muft— " 

"  That's  my  good  Nan  ! " 

"  And  as  Queen  Efther  fayd,  '  If  I  die,  I 
die.' " 


128  The  Fa  ire  Gofpeller, 

"  Die !  We  fliall  all  die  ;  but  none  the 
fooner,  all  the  fvveeter,  for  being  in  the  path 
of  Duty." 

"  You  are  quite  fure,  Ned,  it  is  my  duty  t(, 
marry  him  whom  I  do  not  love  ?  Once  prove 
it,  and  .  .  ." 

"  Cafes  like  thefe  go  not  by  logical  proof. 
Our  likes  and  diilikes  fhift  like  the  clouds. 
Refolve  to  be  a  good  wife  unto  him  ;  you'll 
learn  to  love  him  !  " 

"  Is  that  the  way  you  would  like  j^ou/ 
wife  to  learn  to  love  you,  coufin  .'' " 

He  did  not  anfwer  this,  but  went  on, 
"  Receive  his  overtures  of  affection  plea- 
fantlie,  graciouflie ;  what  begins  in  Duty 
cannot  but  end  in  Happinefs." 

"  Well,  I'll  try,"  fayd  flie,  with  yet  another 
figh. 

"  And  if  you  do,  Nan,  it  cannot  but  be  a 
well-afforted  Marriage." 

"  Oh,  by  the  way,  coufin,"  raifing  her 
fweet  eyes  with  a  fmile  in  them  to  his,  "  I 
offer  you  my  good  wiflies  on  your  own  ap- 
proaching Marriage." 

"  Mine  .''  "  fayd  he,  changing  countenance  ; 
"  I'm  not  going  to  be  married  !  Who  could 
have  told  you  fo  }  " 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  129 

«  My  father." 

His  eyelids  gave  an  involuntary  quiver. 
"  Ah,  my  Uncle  laboured  under  a  Miftake," 
fayd  he  quietly.  "  Next  time  we  are  alone 
together,  he  fhall  have  it  explained.  Come, 
fhall  we  go  and  feek  him  .'' " 

She  was  very  pale  ;  her  eyes  full  of  tears. 
But  fhe  put  her  hand  in  his,  and  fayd,  "  Yes  ; 
and  mind  you  keep  me  up  to  the  mark." 

"  No  doubt  of  it,"  he  replied  ;  "  and,  Nan, 
one  word  in  your  ear  :  give  yourfelf  much 
unto  Prayer." 

"  Ah,  I  do  that  alreadie !  Where,  elfe, 
were  I .? " 

After  that,  they  paiTed  out  together ;  and  I 
felt  abfolutely  convinced  fhe  was  being  led  to 
Suffering  and  Sorrow. 

Sir  William  was  infinitely  pleafed  at  her 
yielding  all  he  wanted  without  more  ado  : 
and  careffed  her  now  and  then,  which,  I 
think,  went  further  with  her  than  all  his 
arguments  and  upbraidings.  Mafter  Kyme, 
too,  fhowed  his  bell  fide  outward,  fo  that 
the  path  to  her  Fate  was  fmoothed  as  much 
as  might  be.  They  took  long  Rides  together  ; 
(he  loved  galloping,  and  would  return  all 
flufhed  and  panting.      As  for  her  Wedding 

6* 


f30  The  Faire  GofpcUer. 

Garments,  perhaps  never  Bride  took  lefs 
mtereft  in  them.  She  fayd,  "  I  wilh  all  the 
feafting  were  over.  When  we  are  left  alone, 
Mailer  Kyme  will  doubtlefs  go  out  hunting, 
and  looking  after  his  eftate.  I  fliall  fit  with- 
in  and  make  clothes  and  flops  for  poor  Folk, 
and  read  a  great  deal." 

"And  write,  perhaps,"  said  I. 

"  What,  a  book,  Nicholas  t  What  a  bright 
thought !  Why  fhould  I  not,  as  well  as  Mar- 
guerite de  Valois .'' " 

"  Or  a  deal  better  t "  sayd  I,  playing  on  the 
word. 

In  fa6l,  fhe  had  a  pretty  turn  for  poetry ; 
as  alfo  for  mufique.  I  doubt  if  Queen  Anne 
Boleyn,  or  Lord  Percy,  or  Lord  Surrey,  could 
make  better  verfes,  or  set  them  to  prettier 
Tunes.  Happy  they  who  have  fuch  re- 
fources,  not  for  the  praife  they  get,  but  for 
the  folace  and  refuge  they  afford,  in  many 
elfe  fad  or  idle  Hours. 


SECTION   IX. 

How  the  poor  Bird  fled  from  its  Cage  to  its 

Nefl. 

O  fhe  was  married — the  pale,  beauti- 
ful bride  !  I  think  onp  of  her  pureft 
pleafures  was  giving  me  a  complete 
new  fuit,  of  excellent  broad-cloth, 
and  pinning  a  white  knot  on  it  herfelf  As 
fhe  left  the  Book-room,  flie  looked  around  it, 
faying,  "  How  many  happy  hours  have  I 
paffed  here  ! — " 

When  the  laft  fummer  funbeam  fliines  on 
us,  we  fliould  be  very  fad,  did  we  know  'twas 
our  laft.  I  think  my  laft  fummer  funbeam 
was  o'erclouded  when  flie  left  the  Houfe  ;  but 
a  not  unpleafmg  grey,  dim  twilight,  gradually 
ftole  on,  that  was  not  for  fome  time  deepened 
into  gloom. 

My   niece    Lettice,   a    buxom,    black-eyed 


132  The  Faire  Gojpcller, 

lafs,  was  promoted  to  be  her  woman  :  a  great 
honour  for  Lettice,  Sir,  and  one  that  flie  did 
not  abufe.  When  flie  came  over  to  Stalling- 
boro'  for  her  hoHdays  (her  Lady  always  gave 
her  one  a  quarter),  fhe  always  brought  me 
her  Lady's  kind  regards,  and  often  fome  little 
token,  of  fruit,  or  flowers,  or  a  book,  or,  may- 
be, a  kerchief  hemmed  by  herfelf.  Thus  I 
learnt  of  Lettice  how  flie  fared. 

Mafter  Edmund  Britain  looked  over  the 
Marriage  Settlements.  There  was  a  fmall 
property  devifed  to  her  from  her  Mother, 
which  he  fayd  fliould  be  fettled  on  her  for  her 
fole  and  feparate  ufe ;  and  he  carried  the 
point  too  ;  Mafter  Kyme  could  not  for  fhame 
gainfay  it,  having  alreadie  had  the  ufe  of  half 
her  portion  and  now  getting  the  other  half; 
but  he  fayd,  Wives  fliould  not  be  inde- 
pendent of  their  Husbands.  She  was  not, 
Sir !  He  took  care  of  that,  and  gave  her 
the  lefs  Pin-money,  and  at  length  none.  I 
believe  their  firft  variance  was  about  her  little 
Pittance,  when  Quarter-day  came  round  and 
fhe  gat  it  not.  She  had  a  Girl's  pleafure  in 
the  independent  ufe,  for  the  firft  time,  of  a 
little  Money  ;  and  wanted  it  not  for  Vanities, 
poor  young  Lady,  but  for  the  P()or,  and  fof 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJkew.  133 

Books.  She  fayd,  half  between  jeft  and 
earneft,  that  if  he  did  not  pay  it  her,  ihe 
would  tell  her  Father ;  fo  then  he  let  he-r 
have,  what  ought  never  to  have  paffed  through 
his  hands.  But,  you  fee,  fhe  had  unbufmeff- 
like  Truftees  ;  at  leaft  one  was, — the  other 
was  Mafter  Britain. 

Sir  William  having  carried  his  point  with  his 
Daughter,  had  now  nothing  to  do,  one  would 
fuppofe,  but  enjoy  having  his  own  way:  but 
he  grew  exceeding  captious  and  quarrelous  ; 
fo  that  it  was  next  to  impoffible  to  pleafe  him. 
The  only  company  he  now  feemed  truly  to 
care  for,  was  that  of  Sir  Francis,  who,  how- 
ever, came  not  over  to  him  fo  often  as  he 
would  have  feen  him  ;  nor  remained  fo  long  ; 
and  this  was  a  fertile  fource  of  complaint. 
His  fecond  fon,  Mafter  Edward,  was  now  of 
the  houfehold  of  Archbifliop  Cranmer  ;  who, 
on  his  appointment,  wrote  of  him  that  the 
young  man  was  of  a  very  gentil  nature,  right 
forward  and  of  good  adlivity.  Mafter  Roger 
was  keeping  his  terms  at  Oxford. 

My  good  Parents  had  long  gone  to  their 
reft  ;  my  Brother  held  the  little  farm,  which 
now  depended  only  on  one  Life  ;  my  fifters 
were    married   to    honeft    Yeomen    and  had 


134  I'^i^  Faire  Gojpeller, 

grownup  Children.  At  times  we  heard  the 
news  ;  oft-times  none  reached  us  till  it  was 
fi.ale:  the  winter  was  long  and  drearie,  and 
Miftrefs  Anne  was  unable  to  come  over  to  us. 
When  I  hearde  fhe  had  a  little  Dauirhter  I 
rejoiced  that  the  had  fo  pure  a  fource  of 
Pleafure  vouchfafed,  and  prayed  the  little 
Youngling  might  prove  an  ICpitome  of  her- 
fclf;  but  Sir  William  was  difappointed  of 
her  not  bearing  a  man-child,  and  Mafter 
Kyme  was  out  of  humour  at  not  getting  an 
Heir. 

I  wearied  for  a  fight  of  her  dear  Face,  but 
on  how  fad  an  occafion  did  fhe  vifit  us.  Sir 
William  had  an  accefs  of  Gout  in  the  ftomach, 
which  caufed  all  his  Children  to  be  fum- 
moned  about  him  by  Exprefs  ;  but  the  more 
diftant  ones  arrived  not  in  time  to  fee  him 
alive.  Mafler  Kyme  was  from  home,  but 
Miflrefs  Anne  came  over  as  faft  as  a  ftrong 
high  trotting  horfe  could  carry  her  (it  being 
two  days'  journey)  ;  the  Nurfe,  riding  Pillion, 
following  her  with  the  infant.  To  fee  her 
hang  over  Sir  William,  and  tend  him  with 
the  utmoft  duteoufnefs,  ye  might  have  thought 
he  had  been  the  kindefl  Father  ever  was  ; 
but  he  made  little  account   of  her,  and  only 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  135 

chafed  becaufe  Sir  Francis  came  not  on  the 
inftant.  At  length,  with  his  wife,  eldeft  fon, 
and  two  daughters  about  him,  he  made  an 
end,  deriving  but  httle  comfort,  it  feemed  to 
me,  from  the  ceremonial  obfervances  of 
religion  that  yet  were  duly  and  reverentlie 
performed.  After  extreme  uncStion,  he  fell 
into  lethargy,  and  fo  fhortly  departed. 

Miflrefs  Anne,  full  of  tears,  was  faine  to 
remain  in  the  Houfe  till  after  the  Funeral : — 
ye  have  feene  the  green  Bed,  fir,  in  the 
chamber  fhe  lay  in.  As  foon  as  the  obfe- 
quies  were  concluded,  (which  were  celebrated 
at  Mid);ight,  a  large  body  of  the  country 
Gentry  attending  to  do  him  the  last  honours,) 
Mailer  Kyme  took  wife  and  child  with  him  ; 
the  young  gentlemen  difperfed,  and  the  be- 
widowed  Dame  and  youngeft  Daughter,  re- 
mained bereft  and  lonely  till  Affairs  were 
fettled  and  fhe  put  in  receipt  of  her  jointure, 
which  is  to  fay  at  the  expiry  of  fix  months. 
Many  Servants  were  difmiffed,  the  remainder 
put  on  board  wages,  the  greater  part  of  the 
Houfe  fluit  up,  and  wearing  apparel  packed 
ready  for  a  vifit  to  my  Lady's  kinffolk.  Mif- 
trefs  Joan,  though  of  tender  years,  had 
'»J»'';ad)',  by  Sir  William's  arrangements,  been 


136  The  Faire  Gofpdlcr 

deftined  for  the  wife  of  Sir  George  St 
Paul  of  Snarford  ;  and  flic  vifited  among 
his  family  and  hers,  till  the  Wedding  took 
place  ;  never  fetting  foot  in  Stallingboro' 
again. 

Thus  the  place  was  left  to  enjoy  its  Sab- 
baths ;  and  I  wot  I  fliould  have  beene  caft 
forth  with  the  reft,  but  that  the  Manfion 
was  left  in  charge  of  an  old  fervant  or  two, 
and  my  Lady  thought  I  might  as  well  ftay 
on,  and  keep  them  to  their  pofts.  I  now 
had  great  leifure  for  Study,  which  affuredly  I 
did  not  neg]e61.  Now  and  then  I  hoed  and 
raked  the  Flower-beds  a  little,  and  did  a 
little  pruning,  for  it  feemed  a  fliame  the 
Pleafance  fhould  be  let  grow  weedy  and  feedy 
by  one  who  had  writ  on  the  Adornment  of 
Gardens.  Howbeit,  there  was  work,  not  for 
one  man  but  half  a  dozen. 

One  day  after  weeding  a  little,  I  fat  down 
on  the  heavy  ftone  Roller  to  recover  my 
breath,  when  I  faw  my  niece  Lettice  coming 
up  the  turfen  alley.  Time  had  fleeted  on  fo 
unmarked,  that  I  was  aftonied  when  fhe 
told  me  Miflrefs  Anne  had  borne  another 
infant. 

"And,"    fayth    flie,    "'tis    another   girl,   as 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkczv.  137 

ill  luck  will  have  it,  which  makes  Mafter 
Kyme  downright  favage." 

"  How  can  he  be  fo  un-Chrifbian  ? "  quod 
I,  "  when  the  Lord  hath  added  another  little 
Olive-branch  to  his  table  ?  Children  are  a 
heritage  from  the  Lord." 

"  Aye  ;  but  he  doth  not  count  it  fo,"  fayd 
Lettice.  "  Oh,  it  is  fearful  to  hear  how  he 
upbraids  her — not  for  this,  in  fo  many  words, 
but  for  all  (he  does  and  fays,  and  mainly  for 
what  he  calls  her  Gofpelling." 

"  Aye,  aye  ?  "  fayd  I,  anxioufly. 

"In  faith,  the  fweet  Lady  hath  no  com- 
fort but  in  her  infants,  and  her  Bible,"  fayth 
Lettice.  "When  they  were  firft  married,  I 
know  not  what  fpirit  of  wifdom  and  filence 
poffeffed  my  dear  Miflrefs,  but  fhe  habitual- 
lie  kept  her  tongue  within  her  teeth,  only 
trufting  herfelf  to  utter  phrafes  abfolutely 
needful  and  harmlefs.  Mafter  Kyme  was 
well  pleafed  with  this  retention  of  fpeech. 
The  firft  time  flie  brake  through  it  was,  as  I 
told  you,  when  he  kept  back  her  Money  and 
flie  threatened  to  tell  her  Father.  I  kncjw 
not  what  courfes  he  took  with  her,  when  by 
themfelves,  to  cow  and  leffon  her ';  but  when 
I  next  went  in  to  her,  ftie  was  in  a  violent 


138  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

fit  of  trembling,  like  as  Miftrefs  Patty  fhook 
in  the  double  tertian.  But  ilie  had  carried 
her  point ;  and  after  that  flie  fcemed  defirous 
by  the  utmoft  fweetnefs  and  ftudy  of  his 
wifhes,  to  make  him  forget  fhe  had  ever 
gainfaid  him.  This  he^d  on  till  after  Sir 
William's  death.  Mafler  Kyme,  who  had,  I 
believe,  never  forgiven  her  firft  felf-affertion, 
now  thought  he  would  make  her  find  flie 
had  no  appeal.  He  abided  his  time ;  flie 
'meanwhile,  unfufpe61;ing  coming  evil,  and 
incited  to  good  fpirits  by  her  dear  little 
infant,  would  fing  and  laugh  to  it,  and  talk 
freely  out  of  her  heart's  fullnefs  to  all  about 
her.  Thus  her  tongue  became  unlocked : 
fhe  was  as  free  of  fpeech  as  though  rhere 
was  no  one  to  be  afraid  of;  and  would  bid 
us,  like  the  good  Miftrefs  flie  is,  be  faithful 
in  bufinefs,  fervent  in  fpirit,  ferving  the  Lord 
— not  with  eye-fervice,  as  men-pleafers,  or 
women-pleafers  either.  Alfo  at  dinner  time, 
file  would  from  time  to  time  fpeak  her 
mind,  in  converfe  with  guefts ;  Mafter 
Kyme  eyeing  her  all  the  time  with  filent 
feverity :  yet  abftaining  from  checking  her, 
becaufe  the  Duchefs  of  Suffolk  had  fhown 
her  favour." 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  139 

"  That  was  very  good  of  her  nobhi  Grace," 
faycl  I,  "  fo  to  rtrengthea  the  uiiprote6led. 
How  did  matters  go  after  that  ?" 

"  Quarter  day  came  round  and  paffed," 
fayd  Lettice,  "and  my  Miftrefs,  who  had 
promifed  help  to  a  poor  Widow,  at  length 
fayd  'Good  hufband,  you  have  forgotten  my 
money,'  '  I  have  none  about  me,'  he  an- 
fwered  (lightly.  I  believe  flie  did  this  two 
or  three  times  without  getting  any  more 
fatiffaclion.  At  length  fhe  fayd,  but  not 
unkindly,  '  Well,  I  wilh  Coufm  Britain  had 
taken  order  to  pay  my  money  dire6t  to  my- 
felf  I  think  I'll  afk  him.'  '  Why  are  you 
always  harping  on  Money .'' '  quod  he,  very 
fliarply.  *  Becaufe  I  want  it  very  badly,  my 
dear.'  '  Have  you  not  everything  found  .'' ' 
'  'Tis  not  for  myfelf,  but  Widow  Green,  who 
hath  loft  her  Cow.'  '  Oh,  there  then  ;  there's 
fomething  towards  it ' — giving  her  a  little 
loofe  filver :  which  was  not  the  fame  thing, 
you  know,  Nunks." 

"Not  at  all,"  fayd  I.  "I'm  forry  they 
had  words.  Widow  Green  would  rather  have 
fliifted  without  the  money  than  gotten  it  at 
fuch  coft." 

"  But  'twas  her  own,  you  know,"  perfifled 


140  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

Lettice,  "and  I  muft  fay  I  think  her  right 
No  more  was  then  fayd  ;  but  next  morning 
my  Miftrefs  could  nowhere  find  her  Bible. 
We  hunted  high  and  low  for  it  in  vain ;  it 
could  not  be  found.  At  length  flie  fayd  to 
Mafter  Kyme,  '  Such  a  flrange  thing  hath 
befallen :  my  Bible  is  gone.'  *  O,  I  have 
it,'  fayd  he  coolly,  *  you  are  not  to  have 
it  again.'  *  Not  have  it .-' '  repeated  flie, 
colouring  violently,  '  It  is  mine.'  He  an- 
fwered,  '  What's  yours  is  mine,  and  what's 
mine's  my  own.'  Tears  ftarted  into  het 
eyes,  and  fhe  fayd,  '  This  is  too  cruel  a  jeft. 
Forfooth  and  forfooth  ye  mufb  let  me  have 
it'  '  Not  I,'  anfwered  he  roughly.  '  It  is 
no  jeft,  as  ye  fliall  find.  I  defire  that  from 
this  time  forth  thou  tamper  not  with  the 
religion  of  my  houfehold.  If  thou  doft  so, 
after  this  injunftion,  I  fhall  take  such  order  of 
thee.  Madam,  as  .  .  .  .'  And  fo  away,  only 
finifhing  his  fentence  by  a  terrible  look. 
She,  ready  to  faint,  could  not  proffer  a  word  ; 
and  up  to  this  time,  hath  not  again  provoked 
him  to  anger.  Meanwhile  fhe  ufes  a  little 
Italian.  Teftament." 

"  Which    Sir   Francis   brought    her    fronj 
Italy,"  fayd  I  ;  "I  know  it  well." 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJkew.  141 

"  But  it  will  foon  be  taken  from  her,"  fayd 
Lettice,  "for  Mafter  Kyme's  Confeffor  is  a 
moft  tyrannous  Prieft,  and  ruleth  everything 
in  the  houfe." 

After  fome  further  talk,  flie  left  me,  to  fee 
her  father  and  mother,  and  I  remained  in  a 
painful  mufe  on  this  family  flory,  till  driven 
indoors  by  a  fmart  rain. 

The  weather  broke  up,  about  this  time, 
and  fet  in  very  wet,  I  was  ufed  to  lleep  in 
what  went  by  the  name  of  the  Prieft's 
Chamber,  over  the  Gateway,  which  had 
aforetime  been  occupied  by  good  old  Sir 
Maurice  till  his  death.  I  loved  the  little  cell 
for  his  fake  :  it  had  no  Fireplace,  and  was 
draughty  enough,  fet  up  on  high  and  expofed 
\p  the  wind  all  round  ;  but  that  feldom  hin- 
dered me  of  fleep. 

But  one  night,  when  the  wind  blew  in 
gufts  and  the  rain  pattered  againft  the  Lat- 
tice, I  was  roufed  from  fleep  by  what 
feemed  Voices  borne  on  the  Blaft,  and  I  lay 
thinking  of  the  poor  Outcafts  who  might, 
e'en  on  fuch  a  night,  be  crolTmg  dank  Moors 
or  cowering  'neath  Hedges.  The  rattle,  as 
of  a  Pebble  cafl  againft  the  Cafement,  made 
me  rife  up  and  look  about  me.     I  diftindly 


142  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

heard  a  Woman's  voice  at  the  Gate  below, 
calhng  "  Uncle  !  uncle  ! "  I  opened  the 
cafement  in  great  fear,  and  called,  "  Who's 
there  ? " 

"Tis  I,  uncle,"  cried  Lettice,  "with 
Miftrefs  Anne  and  the  two  babes.  Oh, 
hafte  and  let  us  in,  for  we  are  drenched  to 
the  fkin,  and  ready  to  drop." 

"Alas  for  ruth!"  ejaculated  I.  "Tarry 
but  a  moment ;  I'll  come  quickly."  And 
haftily  dreffing,  I  went  down  and  let  her  in, 
greeting  her  with  "  Poor  soul !  poor  soul  !  " 

There  was  hardly  any  light,  for  black 
clouds  were  faft  drifting  over  the  moon,  but 
a  pale  ray  for  a  moment  fhowed  me  indif- 
tin6lly  a  cowering  figure  wrapped  in  fome- 
thing  whitifh,  like  fheet  or  blanket,  and 
clofely  clafping  fomething  in  her  arms, 
Lettice  had  the  bigger  child,  heavy  with 
fleep,  on  her  back.  Miftrefs  Anne  fpake 
never  a  word, 

"  We  muft  get  indoors,  uncle,  as  foon  as 
ever  we  can,"  cried  Lettice  quickly. 

"  Injlanter,  injlanter"  fayd  I,  half  out  of 
my  wits  ;  "  there's  nobody  indoors  but  old 
Meggot  and  his  wife ;  and  I  fear  they  fleep 
heavily." 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkciv.  143 

Meanwhile  we  had  blundered  our  way 
acrofs  the  foaked  court,  to  the  Portal,  where 
Lettice,  feizing  the  great  Bell-handle,  never 
ceafed  from  pulling  till  the  clangour  refoundcd 
through  the  empty  Houfe.  Prefently  old 
Margery  put  forth  her  head  from  a  Dormer 
window,  and  began  in  a  quavering  voice  to 
cry  "  Murder  !     Fire  !  " 

"  Come  down  quickly,"  I  cried,  "  and  let  us 
in  !     Here's  Miftrefs  Anne  !  " 

Margery  uttered  a  cry  of  furprife,  and 
hurried  away.  We  foon  heard  her  croffing 
the  Hall  and  undoing  the  Bolts.  "Whatever 
can  have  brought  you,  good  Madam,  at  this 
untimeous  hour  1 "  quod  fhe,  peering  into  her 
face. 

"  Fire — let  us  have  a  fire  quickly,"  fayd 
Miftrefs  Anne,  "and  milk  for  the  babes." 

Dire6lly  Margery  brought  a  light,  I 
caught  fight,  for  the  firft  time,  of  Miftrefs 
Anne's  face,  and  was  terrified  at  it.  Her 
cheeks  were  as  crimfon,  her  eyes  fliining  as 
ftars,  her  wet  hair  hanging  over  her  flioulders. 
From  her  hard,  unnatural  voice,  ctnd  blazing 
eyes  and  cheeks,  it  was  evident  flie  was  in  a 
high  fever. 

No  more  fayd  fhe,  but  followed   us   ftrait 


144  "^J^^  Faire  Gofpeller. 

through  the  great,  vacant  Kitchen,  where  we 
now  ne'er  hghted  a  Fire,  into  the  Steward's 
Room  hard  by,  which  we  preferred  inhabit- 
ing and  cooking  in  by  reafon  of  its  fniignefs, 
and  for  Economy  of  Fuel.  Here  were  dying 
Embers  on  the  Hearth,  which  Margery 
fpeedily  nurfed  into  a  good  Fire,  Miflrefs 
Anne  getting  fo  clofe  to  it  as  to  endanger 
her  garments,  and  fighing  deeply  from 
time  to  time,  as  flie  chafed  her  little 
infant.  Marger^',  talking  disjointedly,  fet 
on  Milk  and  brought  Bread  and  Bafnis, 
and  foon  they  were  all  having  bread- 
and-milk,  and  fhaking  out  their  wet  upper- 
garments  ;  and  then  they  crept  up-ftairs, 
where  Margery  made  what  poor  provifion 
fhe  could  for  their  fleeping,  my  Lady 
having  locked  up  all  but  the  Servants'  Bed- 
ding before  flie  went  away. 


SECTION   X. 

Of  our  Journey  to  London. 

GAT  no  more   Sleep  that   night, 

and    at    Day-dawn,    after    counfel 

with   Miflrefs   Anne,   I    ftarted  for 

Kelfey,  to  bring  Sir  Francis    over 

to  her. 

He  had  juft  breakfafted,  and  was  playing 
with  his  Hawk  when  I  got  there.  He  fayd, 
"  What  now,  Moldwarp  ?  What  makes  you 
fo  early  aftir  ?  To  pick  up  the  early  worm, 
eh  ? " 

I  fayd,  "  Sir  Francis,  I  have  fomewhat  for 
your  private  ear.  A  fore  Mifchance  hath 
befallen." 

He  fayd,  "Take  the  Hawk,  Jeffop— come 
in  here,  Nicholas ; "  and  flraitway  turned 
into  his  private  Room ;  where  he  threw 
himfelf  into  a  Chair.     "  Now  then  for  it  " 

7 


146  The  Faire  GofpeUer, 

"Mafter  Kyme,  Sir,  hath  turned  Miftrefs 
Anne  out  of  Doors.  She  came  a-horfeback 
with  her  Maid  and  two  Infants,  acrofs  the 
Moors  through  Wind  and  Rain,  and  reached 
StaUingboro'  long  paft  Midnight." 

He  fwore  an  oath  and  ftarted  to  his  feet, 
crying,  "  I  muft  have  his  Blood." 

"Sir,  fir!"  fayd  I,  "don't  talk  that  way 
.  .  .  you  have  a  Spoufe  and  two  fweet  ofif- 
fpring  of  your  own." 

"True,  true,"  fayd  he,  refuming  his  feat. 
"  I  owe  my  life  to  my  family,  and  a  Duello 
does  not  always  determine  a  quarrel  with 
juftice.  But, — fent  her  adrift.'  .  .  .  and  in 
fuch  Weather,  too!  Perhaps  the  illgrained 
fellow  hath  even  ftruck  her  ! " 

"  She  fayd  nothing  of  that,"  fayd  I. 

"  Well,  well,  then  I  dare  fay  he  has  not 
Moft  likely  fhe  would  have  told  if  he  had." 

But  fhe  has  told  nothing,"  fayd  I  ;  "  fcarce 
opened  her  lips." 

"  That  looks  fufpicious,"  fayd  he,  frowning 
and  looking  hard  at  me — "  women  always 
make  enough  ado  in  thefe  cafes,  and  naturally 
make  the  beft  of  their  own  caufe,  and  the 
worft  of  the  other  fide.  If  he'd  Beaten  her, 
T  vow  I  would  draw  his  Blood  .  .  ,  unlefs  he 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkciv.  147 

gave  me  a  very  good  reafon  indeed  why  I 
fliould  not.  But  we  muft  be  wary,  Nick, 
we  mufl;  be  wary — there  may  be  two  ways 
of  telHng  the  Story ;  and  between  ourfelves, 
Miftrefs  Kyme's  judgement  is  like  to  be 
warped  a  Httle  by  paffion." 

"But  you  have  not  heard  her  Story  yet, 
Sir,"  cried  I.  "Do,  for  the  love  of  ruth, 
ride  over  and  fee  her  for  yourfelf  and  hear 
her  Say.  There  may  be  things  too  delicate 
for  her  fervants  to  be  told,  that  flie  will  con- 
fide to  a  dear  Brother.'' 

"You  fay  true,  indeed,"  quod  he,  "and 
yet  there  is  nothing  on  earth  more  difagree- 
able  than  interference  between  Man  and 
Wife—" 

"  But  Sir  !  your  own  Sifter —  ' 
"  Or,  indeed,  in  any  Family  Quarrels — " 
"  Turned  out  of  Houfe  and  Home — " 
"  One  is  fure  to  burn  one's  finsrers-  -" 
"  All  through  that  drenching  Rain — ** 
"  And  very  likely,  take  the  wrong  fide — " 
*•  When  I  heard  the  Pebble  come  againft 
my  window,"  perfifted   I,  "you  might   have 
knocked   me  down    with    a    ftraw."        And 
then,  without  the  manners  to  wait  till  I  was 
bidden,  I  ran,  or  raced,  through  all  the  par- 


148  The  Faire  Gofpcllet-y 

ticulars,  with  fuch  vehement  pity  and  eager 
watchfuhiefs  for  fome  token  of  fympathy  in 
him,  that  he  could  not  choofe  but  fliow  con- 
cern, and  cry, 

"  Poor  Nan !  poor  Nan  ! — truly  I  wifli  J. 
faw  my  way  through  this  :  I  would  confult 
my  wife,  only  I  know  fhe  would  be  againll 
my  taking  any  rafh  ftep — I  muft  controul 
myfelf — I  muft  feek  to  be  mediator  ;  Go  back, 
Nick,  and  tell  my  Sifter  I'll  come  over  as  faft 
as  I  can," 

With  which  I  was  conftrained  to  content 
myfelf,  though  I  would  fain  have  {q,q.\\  him 
ftart  when  I  did,  fince  his  boiling  up  had  fo 
fuddenly  fubfided  alreadie.  However,  I  did 
him  injufticc,  for  juft  as  I  got  back  to  the 
Hall,  I  heard  Horfes  galloping  behind  me, 
and  looking  round,  faw  him  riding  up,  like 
a  gallant  Gentleman  as  he  was,  his  white 
Feather  ftreaming  in  the  air,  and  his  fine 
face  flufhed  with  exercife.  He  flung  his 
rein  to  his  groom,  fprang  to  the  ground,  and 
rufhed  in  with  outfpread  arms,  crying,  "  My 
Sifter  !     Oh,  my  unhappy  Sifter  !" 

Miftrefs  Anne,  rifmg  up  from  her  low 
feat  by  the  fire,  fell  into  his  arms,  and  wept 
tears  of  affe61;ion  and   tliankfulnefs.      For  a 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  149 

while  it  was  only  fuch  broken  words  aS; 
"  Oh,  my  poor  Nan  ! — that  it  fliould  come 
to  this  ! "  "  Dear,  dear  Frank  !  I  knew  you 
would  come !  Oh,  I  have  been  fo  very,  very 
unhappy ! " 

"  Tell  me  all  about  it,"  fays  he,  releafing 
her  from  his  arms,  "but  not  in  this  unfit 
place.  Let  us  go  into  Lady  Afkew's  room." 
"  She  hath  locked  it  up,  Frank — She  hath 
locked  up  nearly  all  the  Houfe."  "  Nay 
then,  we  can  pace  the  Hall — but  you  are 
tired  t "  "  In  faith,  Frank,  I  can  fcarce 
ftand — I  fhall  be  better  prefently."  And  fhe 
turned  deadly  pale.  I  brought  her  fome 
water.  "  The  Book-room,"  I  fayd,  "  will  be 
beft." 

"  Juft  fo,  Nicholas,"  fayd  Sir  Francis  ;  and 
taking  his  Sifter's  hand,  he  led  her  in  there, 
and  fhut  to  the  door.  What  they  fayd  was 
between  'emfelves  alone  —  we  could  only 
hear  voices,  raifed  to  a  high  key  fometimes, 
and  then  ftifled  ;  and  a  good  deal  of  Sobbing, 
It  feemed  an  age  before  they  came  forth  ; 
but  they  did  at  laft ;  more  by  token,  I  think, 
the  Baby  began  to  wail  and  flie  heard  it.  I 
never  faw  a  defolater  Creature  than  fhe  look- 
ed when  fhe  came  forth  ;  they  were  not  on 


150  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

the  fame  terms  as  when  they  went  in  ;  and 
I  knew  what  a  trick  he  had  of  edirin": 
round.  "  Well,"  fays  he,  as  if  making  fome 
great  conceffion,  "  I'll  do  as  I  fay  I  will :  I'll 
ride  over  and  fee  him  :  your  clothes  you  at 
leaft  muft  have.  And  I  hope  this  unhappy 
affair  may  be  made  up.  Perchance  he  may 
this  morning  be  in  a  better  mind.  Had  he 
been  drinking,  think  you  .''  Had  you  croft 
him  in  anything }  Tut,  tut  .  .  .  there,  don't 
cry.  Thou  knoweft.  Nan,  my  tender  love 
for  you.  Make  the  beft  of  it  .  .  .  fomething 
will  needs  come  to  pafs.  My  lady  defired  me 
to  bear  you  her  loving  regards — " 

"  Here's  my  baby,  Frank — you  have  not 
feen  it  before — " 

"  Ha ! — "  with  a  pre-occupied  air  as  if  it 
was  not  his  firft  fight  of  a  baby  ;  which  in- 
deed it  was  not.  "  Well,  cheer  up.  Sifter 
.  .  .  Hope  for  better  times  .  .  .  Receive  pla- 
cably the  firft  offer  of  compofition  .  ,  .  Let 
bygones  be  bygones  .  .  .  he'll  know  better 
in  future.  Mind  ye  be  not  backward  when 
he  comes  forward.  Something  will  be  ar- 
ranged, I  doubt  not.  You  fhall  hear  from 
me  foon.     Farewell,  Sifter!" 

And,  having  embraced  her  anew,  he  fprang 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkezv.  151 

into  his  faddle,  and  the  white  plume  vauiflied 
through  the  Gate. 

The  reft  of  the  day  was  dull  and  cheer- 
lefs  enough  ;  but  Miftrefs  Anne  took  up 
her  quarters  in  the  Book-room,  where  I  fail- 
ed not  to  keep  up  a  good  fire,  and  we  con- 
trived a  little  fleeping  place  for  the  infants. 
The  eldeft  was  an  engaging  prattler,  and 
amufed  us  whether  we  would  or  no.  And- 
little  by  little,  Miftrefs  Anne  relieved  her 
mind  to  me  of  much  that  was  on  it,  and 
how  that  a  cruel  Confeffor  had  alienated 
her  husband  from  her,  even  to  making  him 
threaten  her  perfonal  liberty,  and  feclufion 
from  her  children  :  and  flie  fayd  her  lot 
had  graduallie  worfened  ever  fmce  her 
father  died  ;  and  that  fhe  thought  what  had 
happened  now  would  have  happened  afDre, 
but  for  his  having  the  fear  of  the  Duchefs 
of  Suffolk  before  his  eyes.  She  being  now 
at  a  diftance,  he  had  ta'en  advantage  of 
her  abfence. 

When  file  ceafed,  I  paufed  a  little,  and 
then  began  gently  to  talk,  not  of  her  prefent 
Trouble  in  particular,  but  of  Troubles  in 
general,  their  purpofes,  whether  as  judge- 
ments, like  the  plagues  of  Egypt ;    or  chaf 


152  The  Faire  Gojpcller, 

tenings,  like  death  of  David's  little  child  ; 
or  warnings,  like  the  blindnefs  of  Elyraas ; 
or  tefts,  like  the  fufferings  of  Job ;  or 
trials,  like  the  trials  of  Abraham  ;  or  puri- 
fiers, like  the  affli6lions  of  Mary  Magdalene  ; 
or  to  make  the  good  that  lay  hidden  in  us 
fhine  forth  with  the  greater  luftre,  as  in 
Queen  Efther. 

■  When  I  paufed,  fhe  fayd,  "  Go  on,  dear 
Mafter  Moldwarp,  I  love  to  hear  you." 
Her  eldeft  was  fleeping  on  a  pillow,  her 
youngeft  neftling  in  her  arms.  The  day  was 
far  fpent,  the  wind  and  rain  had  ceafed,  we 
were  fitting  by  the  fitful  light  of  the  fire. 
So  then,  in  a  defultory  fafhion,  I  moralized 
on  the  patience  of  Job;  and  meeknefs  under 
contumely  of  Hannah,  and  the  low  eftate  of 
Ruth,  and  the  trials  of  unloved  Leah,  and 
the  angel  comforting  defolate  Hagar,  and  the 
tribulations  of  the  early  Chriftians,  and  the 
exceeding  love  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  in 
dying  for  us.  After  this,  I  fayd,  "  Suppofe 
we  pray?"  and  knelt  down  that  minute  and 
had  a  fpirit  of  utterance  given  me  I  had 
never  poffeffcd  before ;  and  we  rofe  up 
mightily  compofed  and  ftrengthened.  Then 
the  little  one  woke  and  fayd,  "  Sing,  Mammy, 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJkew.  153 

fing,"  and  Miftrefs  Anne  fang  one  fwect 
hymn  after  another.  Thus,  ftrange  to  fay, 
we  were  not  unhappy.  When  we  retired  to 
reft,  after  our  cuftomed  devotions,  fhe  gave 
me  her  hand  and  fayd, — 

"  Oh,  old  Friend,  how  you  have  calmed 
me  !  Would  that  you  were  ever  at  hand, 
as  aforetime."     I  fayd,  "  Would  that  I  were." 

A  few  days  after,  a  fumptour-mule  brought 
over  fome  great  ill-packed  bundles  of  apparel 
moft  negligently  and  difrefpectfully  put  to- 
gether; with  a  billet  from  Sir  Francis  ; 
who  fayd  he  had  been  unable  to  bring 
Mafter  Kyme  to  any  compofition,  and  he 
believed  the  only  way  would  be  for  his 
fifter  to  humble  herfelf.  All  this  time,  flie 
had  fcarce  tarted  food  fave  bread  and  milk  ; 
for  our  Board-wages  neceffitated  a  meagre 
Larder ;  and  to  fupply  fomewhat  for  the 
unexpe6led  demand  on  our  refources,  I  had 
taken  up  my  hat,  and  was  about  to  ftep 
over  to  the  Farm,  when  fhe  called  out, 
"  Stop  the  groom !  I'll  ride  over  to  Kelfey. 
My  brother  is  under  fome  great  mifappre- 
henfion.  I  was  caft  forth  for  none  other 
than  the  Gofpel's  fake.  No  Reproach  but 
that   of  Chrift   is   upon  me.     As  for  Mafter 

7* 


154  The  Faire  Go/pel ler, 

Kyine  liflening  to  reafon,  I  might  as  well 
talk  to  the  Coat-of-arms  over  the  Gate.  He 
hath  impofed  on  me  Silence,  and  threatened 
to  gag  me." 

She  would  not  be  ftayed  ;  but,  equipping 
herfelf  in  cloak  and  muffler,  fet  forth  accom- 
panied by  the  man,  leaving  the  children  in 
charge  of  Lettice. 

When  the  fixth  morning  came  without 
her  return,  we  became  uneafy  ;  and  as  the 
Babes  wept  and  pined,  we  planned  that  I 
fliould  follow  her  to  wit  was  become  of 
her,  and  allege  for  plea,  that  the  Infant  was 
out  of  forts. 

I  borrowed  a  Horfe  of  my  Brother,  who 
was  poffeffed  of  all  was  going  on,  though 
we  kept  it  from  the  Village,  and  pitied  us 
amain.  When  I  got  to  Kelfey,  I  found 
Miftrefs  Anne  was  not  there  :  fhe  had  gotten 
a  horfe  and  journeyed  to  Lincoln.  What 
poffeft  her  to  go  to  that  city,  I  wift  not,  but 
follow  her  I  needs  muft :  my  Fears  would  let 
me  take  no  reft. 

When  I  got  to  Lincoln,  I  went  to  a  Seed- 
Ihop,  the  owner  of  which  I  knew,  and 
afked  him  if  he  could  dire6l  me  to  Miftrefs 
Kyme.     Smiling  a  little,  he  fayd,   "  Ye  will 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkexv.  155 

find  her  in  the  Cathedral,  ftandinj^  by  the 
leftern,  where  fhe  hath  ftood,  thefe  five 
days,  to  confront,  fhe  fayth,  any  that  fhall 
allege  evil  againft  her  Sure,  her  mind  mufl 
be  fomething  diftempered  ?  " 

I  fayd,  "  Oh,  believe  it  not.  'Tis  only 
that  file  hath  been  hardly  dealt  with  : "  and 
I  haftened,  full  of  trouble,  to  the  Cathedral, 
where  a  little  knot  of  people  were  hanging 
about  the  entrance.  I  paffed  through  their 
midft,  and  heard  fuch  fragments  as  "  A  Befs 
o'  Bedlam;"  "No,  an  Outcaft  Wife;" 
"  In  footh  a  goodly  Lady  ;  "  "A  Bigot  to 
her  Opinions  ; "  "A  Faire  Gofpeller." 

When  I  went  in,  not  above  five  or  fix 
people  were  in  fide,  and  they  were  ftanding 
and  curioufly  ftaring  at  Miftrefs  Anne  where 
fhe  ftoode  at  the  le6lern,  calmly  reading  the 
Bible.  The  funlight  ftreaming  in  upon  her 
through  a  painted  window  at  that  moment, 
methought  fhe  looked  like  a  glorified  Saint. 

After  waiting  a  good  while,  there  was  a 
little  huilling  among  the  byftanders,  and  one 
of  them  flepping  up  to  her,  uttered  fome 
forrie  Jeft,  I  believe,  though  I  could  not 
hear  it,  for  fhe  gravely  looked  up  at  him  till 
he  turned  away   abalht,   and   then  refumed 


15^  The  Fa  ire  Gojpellcr, 

her  reading.  Looking  up  again,  however, 
flic  perceived  me,  and,  after  a  moment's 
hefitation,  reverently  clofed  the  Bible,  look- 
ing round  her  as  fhe  did  fo,  and  faying, — 

"  Good  Chriftian  people,  this  Book  con- 
taineth  the  words  of  e1:ernal  life.  For 
holding  to  this  Book  am  I  now  in  tribula- 
tion." Then  fhe  came  up  to  me,  and 
eagerlie  whifpered,  "  Hath  aught  befallen 
the  Children?"  "The  Babe,"  I  replied, 
"  ceafes  not  to  moan  and  lament."  "  Nay 
then,"  quod  fhe,  "  I  will  return  with  thee 
on  the  inftant.  I  have  now  thefe  fix  days 
ftood  here,  to  fee  what  would  be  fayd  unto 
me  ;  and  felt  not  one  bit  afraid,  becaufe  I 
knew  my  caufe  to  be  good." 

Though  I  mifdoubted  her  Judgement  in 
fo  doing,  I  could  not  but  admire  her  Courage 
and  Simplicitie. 

As  we  rode  back,  flie  told  me  Sir  Francis 
had  turned  quite  cold  upon  her,  and  fliown 
himfelf  of  very  poor  fpirit :  adding,  "They 
were  incenfed  at  me  for  awaiting  and  braving 
the  evil-fpeakers,  whofe  minds  are  fet  on 
mifchief,  and  mightily  afraid  of  my  angering 
the  Ecclefiaftical  Authorities.  Howbeit,  not 
one  of  them  offered  me  let  or  hindrance." 


Mijlrcfs  Aline  AJkeiv.  157 

After  this,  Sir  Francis  feemed  minded  to 
try  wliat  effccl  Neglc6l  would  have  on  her ; 
for  though  he  knew  we  were  even  pinched 
for  food,  he  fent  us  not  fo  much  as  a  difh  of 
water  fifli,  though  his  Tenants  were  bound  to 
fupply  his  table  with  'em  all  the  year  round  ; 
and  though,  when  fhe  depended  not  on 
Prefents  for  Plenty,  fcarce  a  week  paffed 
without  gifts  of  Game,  Fruit,  and  fuchlike, 
going  to  Mafter  Kyme's  houfe. 

Miftrefs  Anne  felt  the  unkindnefs  very 
little,  for  in  truth  flie  feemed  not  to  know 
what  flie  ate  or  drank,  and  flie  preferred 
Bread-and-milk,  becaufe  'twas  foon  lapt  up 
and  caufed  no  Flufliings  nor  Heavinefs. 

Her  time  was  now  mainly  fpent  in  Letter- 
writing,  to  I  think  almofl;  every  member  of 
her  family,  and  alfo  to  friends  at  a  diflance ; 
and  the  counfel  they  fent  her  was  fo  diverfe, 
that  if  flie  had  been  fo  minded  fhe  could 
not  have  followed  it  at  all.  Sir  Francis  at 
length  came  over  again  to  his  fifter  ;  and  was 
moft  contrary  and  querimonious,  alleging 
that  as  fhe  had  brewed,  fo  fhe  muft  bake  ; 
that  Mafter  Kyme  would  on  no  hand  now 
receive  her  again  into  his  Houfe.  She  fayd, 
deeply   fighing,  "  Since  that  is  fo,  I  mufl  fue 


158  The  Fain  Gofpeller, 

for  a  divorce."  "  I  thought  you  would  fay 
it,"  quod  Sir  Francis.  "  You  were  beft  to 
apply  to  Coufin  Britain,  for  you  have  not 
much  to  go  towards  law  charges."  She 
fayd,  "  Will  you  write  to  him  about  it  '^.  " 
He  fayd,  "  I  Ihall  neither  make  nor  meddle 
in  the  matter."  "  Oh,  well,  then  I  muft  do 
it  myfclf,"  flie  fayd  calmly  ;  and  flie  wrote  to 
Mafter  Britain,  a  very  compofed  and  well- 
ordered  letter.  He  had  for  fome  time  been  a 
husband  and  a  father,  and  was  rifing  into  fair 
praftice. 

By  the  earlieft  opportunity  came  a  letter 
from  Mafler  Britain,  fliowing  what  real 
fympathy  could  be,  and  what  real  friendfliip 
could  offer.  He  expreffed  great  tribulation 
at  her  fad  cafe,  much  indignation  againft 
Mafter  Kyme,  to  whom  he  offered  to  write, 
and  he  begged  in  his  Wife's  name  and  his 
own,  that  fliould  Ihe  refort  to  London,  fhe 
would,  in  any  cafe,  lodge  in  his  houfe. 

Miftrefs  Anne  would  not  be  beholden  to 
him  for  this,  nor  cumber  him  and  his  good 
wife  with  herfclf  and  fmall  children :  but 
file  felt  the  goodnefs  none  the  lefs,  and  fayd 
it  joyed  her  heart.  Alfo  he  had  fent  her  her 
quarterly  payment,  which  he  took  fhame  to 


Mtprfs   Anne  AJIcew.  159 

himfelf  for  not  having  afce-rtaincd  beforetlme 
that  (he  had  pun6tually  received.  Tims, 
with  money  in  her  purfe,  fhe  was  able  to 
provide  for  the  journey  ;  and  flie  refolved  to 
fet  forth  without  delay. 

Now  when  I  beheld  the  dear  young  Lady 
thus  about  to  be  thrown  on  the  world, 
without  any  of  the  male  kind  to  care  whe- 
ther fhe  fhould  fink  or  fwim,  I  determined  to 
be  her  attendant.  After  a  little  debate,  fhe 
confented  to  this,  thanking  me  much  beyond 
my  deferts  or  wiflies  ;  and  my  Brother,  ftill 
helpful  in  every  way  he  could,  provided  us 
with  Horfes  and  a  Guide :  Miftrefs  Anne 
and  her  Maid  each  carrying  a  child,  and 
riding  Pillion. 


SECTION  XI. 


Of  what  befel  iis  in  London, 


T  an  Inn  on  the  Road,  where  we 
baited,  a  flovenly  Fellow  lounging 
about  the  place  feemed  watching 
us  attentively,  and  Miftrefs  Anne, 
happening  to  notice  him,  fayd  to  me,  "  That 
man  comes  fometimes  to  Mafter  Kynie." 
He,  feeing  himfelf  obferved,  lounged  away ; 
but  I  faw  him  again,  juft  before  we  entered 
London,  and  thought  he  dogged  us. 

Arrived  in  the  City,  we  found  a  plain  but 
decent  Lodging  with  an  old  fervant,  over 
again  ft  the  Temple,  where  was  a  double- 
bedded  Chamber  for  Miftrefs  Anne,  the 
Infants,  and  my  Niece  ;  a  Parlour,  and  an 
Attic    for  m3'felf     She    foon    took  order  for 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJkew.  i6l 

the  method  of  her  fmall  Houfehold  on  a 
fcale  proportioned  to  her  means  ;  and  hav- 
ing written  letters  to  Mafter  Britain  and 
tv/o  Ladies  of  her  acquaintance,  fent  me 
forth  to  deUver  them.  It  feemed  ftrange  to 
me  to  be  bhmdering  my  way  about  the 
bufie  City,  the  noifes  of  which  bewildered 
me ;  howbeit  I  did  mine  errands  at  lafl, 
though  more  tardily  than  if  I  had  been  ufed 
to  London.  Mafter  Britain  was'  conferring 
with  a  Client,  but  when  he  faw  me,  his 
countenance  changed  ;  and  as  foon  as  the 
Client  was  gone,  he  made  me  fit  down  and 
go  over  the  whole  matter  in  a  plaine, 
methodicall  way. 

"I  always  thought  Kyme  a  Churl,"  quod 
he,  "but  gueffed  not  he  would  exhibit  this 
extremity  of  Malice.  What  is  the  ground 
of  it,  think  ye  } " 

I  iayd  it  undoubtedlie  had  been  aroufed  b) 
diverfitie  of  religious  Belief 

"There  is  no  more  likelie  Caufe.  I  con 
fefs  I  fee  not  my  way  through  this  matter 
Separation  is  a  grieveufe  remedy,  and  yet, 
e'en  if  we  could  bring  them  togethei 
again,  we  could  not  make  them  more  of  a 
mind." 


1 62  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

He  fayd  he  would  ftep  round  in  the  aftcir- 
noon  and  fee  his  Coufm,  and  invite  her  to 
vifit  his  Wife  at  Chelfea.  When  I  went 
back,  I  found  Miflrefs  Anne  tying  on  her 
hood :  fhe  fayd  the  miftrefs  of  the  houfe, 
Miflrefs  Berry,  was  going  to  hear  a  Le61ure, 
and  had  offered  to  take  her  with  her.  So  I 
followed,  to  take  care  of  both. 

The  Lecture  was  given  by  one  Porter,  a 
godly  preacher,  in  the  Crypt  of  St.  Paul's. 
It  gave  us  matter  for  much  difcourfe  and 
fearching  of  Scripture  on  our  return  ;  and 
while  thus  engaged,  there  came  in  Mafter 
Britain.  He  was  more  affected  at  the  meet- 
ing, I  thought,  than  fhe  ;  for  her  mind  was 
now  ftrung  up  and  fixed  on  Matters  far 
above  the  little  reverfes  of  daily  life.  When 
fhe  told  him  where  ihe  had  been,  he  fayd  he 
had  heard  Mafler  Porter  once  or  twice  him- 
felf,  and  deemed  highly  of  him,  but  that 
attendance  on  his  Le6lures  was  not  without 
danger,  for  that  a  retrograde  movement  had 
taken  place  in  the  King's  Government  under 
the  influence  of  Gardiner,  Wriothefley,  and 
the  Duke  of  Norfolk.  She  fayd,  "  Are  we 
to  fall  back  becaufe  of  them  } "  He  fayd, 
"  No,  but  he  had  no  mind  to  put  his  head  in 


STATf  Bh 

Mijlrefs  Anne  AJkew.  163 

the  lion's  mouth,  and  hoped  (he  would  not." 
She  replied  not  whether  or  no. 

Then  he  bade  her  to  Chelfea  ;  but  when 
fhe  found  Miftrefs  Britain  was  keeping  her 
bed,  fhe  fayd  fhe  would  defer  it  to  a  more 
convenient  time.  Then  they  got  to  her 
matter  with  Mafter  Kyme,  and  flie  was  very 
quiet  about  it,  and  did  not  fay  aught  that 
was  querimonious.  She  fayd  they  could  not 
fort  'emfelves  together  :  Ihe  -had  known  from 
the  firft  they  had  their  minds  fet  oppofite 
ways,  and  'twas  confcience  with  her  not  to 
change  hers.  He  fayd,  "  And  perchance  with 
Mafter  Kyme  too."  She  fayd,  when  it  came 
to  being  a  Man's  confcience  to  lock  up  his 
Wife,  threaten  to  gag  her  and  feparate  her 
from  her  Children,  and  tell  her  Servants  they 
were  not  to  liften  to  her  nor  heed  what  fhe 
fl^yd,  it  was  not  eafy  to  live  with  him.  But 
when  he  put  her  outfide  the  Door  amid  rain 
and  darknefs,  and  refufed  to  let  her  in  again, 
fhe  could  not  choofe  but  live  without  him. 

Mafter  Britain  brooded  over  this  in  painful 
filence. 

"  So  the  Law  had  beft  complete  what  he 
hath  begun,"  flie  fayd  quietly.  "  Then  I  fhall 
know  where  I  am." 


t. 


164  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

"  Not  in  a  hurry,  not  in  a  hurry,"  fayd 
he.  "  Nothing  will  be  gained  by  precipita- 
tion." 

"  What  am  I  to  Hve  on  } " 

"  Of  courfe  we  fhall  take  order  about 
that." 

"  Very  well,  then,"  fayd  flie,  fighing,  "  I 
fliall  leave  it  to  your  direction." 

"  And  where  fliall  you  abide  .''  " 

"  Where,  better  than  here  .? " 

"  This  is  but  a  poor  place." 

"  The  fitter  for  poor  fortunes — I  care  not 
a  Pin,"  added  fhe  quickly,  "for  living  on 
Bread-and-milk.     Do  I,  Moldwarp  }  " 

"  Mafter  Nicholas,"  fayd  he,  cordially,  "  I 
am  right  glad  you  have  linked  yourfelf  to  my 
Coufin's  fortunes." 

When  he  was  gone,  we  had  our  frugal 
fupper :  at  Evenfong,  the  good  woman  of 
the  houfe,  whofe  intereft  Miftrefs  Anne  had 
quickly  fecured,  came  in  to  join  in  the 
family  exercifes,  which  Miftrefs  Anne  con- 
duced, reading  the  portion  of  Scripture, 
praying,  and  leading  the  Pfalmody.  After 
this,  we  all  went  peaceably  to  reft. 

There  was  always  fome  lecture  or  fermon, 
or  prayer-meeting  to  attend.     In  the  morning 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJIcew.  165 

a  man  in  violet-coloured  livery  brought  a 
note  from  Lady  Denny,  faying  flie  was  going 
down  the  river  to  the  Court  at  Greenwich, 
and  inviting  Miftrefs  Anne  to  bear  her  com- 
pany :  the  Man  would  attend  her  to  the 
Barge.  I  attended  her  to  it  too,  and  faw  her 
fafe  into  my  Lady's  hands  :  fhe  was  too  fair 
to  fee  and  unufed  to  City  ways  to  be  let  go 
hither  and  thither. 

When  file  returned,  Lady  Denny's  groom 
of  the  chamber,  Chriftopher,  faw  her  to  the 
door,  and  flie  was  forry  flie  could  only  give 
him  a  groat.  But  the  day  arrived  when  the 
groat  came  from  him  to  her. 

She  looked  bright,  and  fayd,  "  Oh,  they 
were  all  fo  good,  I  have  been  almoft  happy  ! 
I  have  been  with  Lady  Hertford,  and  fhe 
is  a  very  Saint.  Her  whole  ftudy  is  the 
Bible." 

After  this,  fhe  was  fent  for  by  thefe  and 
other  Court  ladies  from  time  to  time,  and 
enjoyed  delices  of  Chriftian  friendfliip  and 
converfation.  The  reft  of  her  time  was 
fpent  quite  in  a  retired  manner  with  her 
children,  only  going  forth  to  hear  Le6lures 
and  Sermons.  All  this  while,  Sir  Francis 
wrote  only  once  to  her,  without  figning  his 


1 66  TJie  Faire  Gofpellei-y 

name  at  full  length ;  but  Miftrefs  Difney 
wrote  twice  and  kindly.  Mefeemed,  her 
own  Sex  fympathized  with  her  a  good  deal 
the  moft.  Mayhap  the  married  men  feared 
her  enfample,  as  the  privy  council  of  King 
Ahafuerus  feared  that  of  Queen  Vafliti.  But 
they  need  not  to  have  been  afeard  of  Miftrefs 
Anne. 

The  more  I  held  converfe  with  her,  the 
more  I  perceived  how  her  po  .vers  of  reflec- 
tion and  reafoning  had  ripei  ed  fince  her 
Marriage  ;  which  was  not  fo  much  by  the 
ftudy  of  many  books  as  of  one  Book,  and 
making  divine  pafture  thereon. 

One  day,  my  Niece  fayd  unto  me,  "  Me- 
thought  People  in  great  Cities  were  lefs 
curious  than  in  fmall  Villages,  and  had  lefs 
time  for  their.  Neighbours'  Affairs." 

"  'Tis  fo,"  I  replied. 

"  There's  One  i'  the  next  Houfe,"  returned 
Lettice,  "  whofe  fole  Bufmeffe  feems  to  be  to 
watch  us  from  Morn  till  Night." 

"  Aye  .''  "  quoth  I.  "  The  man  that  dogged 
us  on  the  Road  .''  " 

"  No,  not  he,  though  he  may  be  fet  on 
by  him.  If,  when  thou  returneft  home, 
thou    lookcft    ujj    at    the    firfl-floor    Lattice, 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkciv.  167 

there  thou  flialt  fee  him,  lurking  juft  within 
the  Ihadow,  hke  a  Spider  watching  for  a 
Fly." 

I  did  fo,  and  liked  not  the  look  of  the 
Fellow,  who  caught  my  eye  and  drew  back. 
Thereafter  I  made  it  my  bufmefs  to  flare 
hard  at  him,  every  time  I  came  back,  till 
I'm  fure  he  hated  the  very  fight  of  me.  At 
my  inflance,  Miflrefs  Berry  privily  afked  the 
woman  next  door  whether  ftie  had  let  her 
lodging  and  who  was  her  Lodger.  She  fayd, 
one  Mafler  Wadloe,  a  Curfitor  of  Chancery, 
and  a  man  of  great  piety.  However,  his 
piety  proved  to  be  of  the  fort  Saul  of  Tarfus 
had,  when  he  haled  poor  Chriftians  to  prifon. 
It  came  out  afterward,  that,  having  gathered 
fomewhat  of  her  ftory,  after  a  twifhed  fafliion, 
and  not  thinking  well  of  her  Life,  he  had 
been  fo  officious  as  to  get  himfelf  lodged  next 
Door,  for  the  main  or  fole  intent  to  fpy  out 
her  ways,  and  fift  them  fine. 

But  mark  the  Iffue  of  this  :  and  take 
Comfort  therein.  From  her  malicious  Ef- 
pion,  he  became  a  compleat  Convert  to  her 
virtue  and  fanftity.  For,  fayd  he  afterward, 
*'  She  is  the  moft  devout  and  godly  creature 
that  ever  I  knew.     At   midnight   flie  begin- 


1 68  The  FaiTc  GofpcUcr, 

ncth  to  pray,  and  ceafeth  not  for  a  long 
while  after,  when  I  and  others  apply  our- 
felves  to  fleape  or  do  worfe." 

Now  befel  the  fad  and  forrowful  caption 
of  Mafler  Porter  the  Bible  reader,  who  was 
committed  to  Newgate  by  order  of  Bonner, 
to  the  grievoufe  lofs  and  lamentation  of  his 
well-widiers  and  difciples.  Mafter  Britain's 
fecond  vifit  to  us  was  made  as  touching  this, 
and  to  warn  off  Miflrefs  Anne  from  fliowing 
herfclf  openly  his  follower.  Whereon  fhe 
quoted,  "  I  was  fick  and  in  prifon  and  you 
vifited  me  ;  "  and  afked  him  how  he  inter- 
preted that.  He  fayd,  that  was  fpoken  to 
Men.  She  fayd,  "  I've  yet  to  learn  there's 
one  Gofpel  for  Men  and  another  for 
Women."  In  truth,  flie  with  Miftrefs 
Berry,  and  me  for  their  Uflier.  liad  already 
been  to  Newgate,  and  there  cheered  the 
prifoner's  heart  with  Scriptural  comfort. 
On  his  part,  he  was  no  whit  caft  down 
or  amazed,  but  lifted  up  his  voice  and 
preached  the  Saviour  till  e'en  the  Gaolers 
melted. 

The  end  of  this  poor  young  Man,  though 
painful,  was  fhort.  On  the  plea  of  caufmg 
tumultuous  Affemblages,  e'en    in    Prifon,  he 


Mijli'cfs   Anne  AJkczv.  169 

was  caft  into  a  Lower  Dungeon,  and  there 
chained  by  the  Neck  to  the  Wall  ;  through 
which  hard  treatment,  he,  though  young  and 
vigorous,  was,  on  the  eighth  day,  found  dead 
in  his  Bonds. 

Then  came  to  pafs  that  which  Mafter 
Britain  in  his  world-fapience  had  predi6i:ed ; 
to  wit  that  Miflrefs  Anne,  having  been  noted 
beyond  others,  maybe  on  account  of  her  ex- 
cellent Beauty,  as  having  reforted  to  Newgate 
and  upheld  him  in  the  Faith,  was  fummoned 
before  the  Queft  affembled  at  Sadlers'  Hall, 
for  having  broken  the  law  of  the  Six  Articles, 

1.  having  fcarce  time  to  flart  off  after  her, 
haftily  bade  Miftrefs  Berry  advife  Mafter 
Britain  of  the  event. 

I  fcarce  need  to  tell  anie  well-inftrucled 
perfon  that  the  Six  prefcribed  Articles  of 
Faith,  lately  impofed  on  all  by  Aft  of  Par- 
liament through  ye  Influence  of  that  Bigot 
the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  were  thefe  : — i.  The 
Corporal  prefence  of  Chrift  in  the  elements. 

2.  Reception  of  the  Communion  in  one  kina. 

3.  Vows  of  Chaftity.  4.  Private  Maffes. 
5.  Celibacy  of  the  Clergy,  6.  Auricular 
Confeffion. 

Againfl  moft;  of  thefe  Cranmer  had  argued 


170  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

for  feveral  days.  But  the  Popifli  party  were 
as  five  to  four ;  fo  they  carried  it. 

In  the  greateft  of  Trouble  I  now  took  my 
way  to  Sadlers'  Hall,  where,  on  entering,  I 
found  Chriftopher  Dare,  being  one  of  the 
Queft,  examining  her  on  the  Real  Prefence, 
and  putting  it  to  her,  did  the  believe  the 
Sacrament  hanging  over  the  Altar  was 
Chrift's  very  body  or  not. 

Then  fhe :  "  I  will  in  like  manner  afk  you  a 
Oueflion,  and  do  you  anfwer  me :  Why  was 
St.  Stephen  ftoned  to  death  ? " 

He  frowned  and  pilhed,  and  could  not 
think  of  an  apt  reply,  and  fayd  he  could 
not  tell. 

"  No  more  tell  I  you  what  you  have  afked 
me,"  fayd  fhe. 

"It  hath  been  alleged  againft  you,"  quod 
he,  "that  you  have  been  heard  to  fay» 
'  God  dwellcth  not  in  temples  made  with 
hands.' " 

"  Well,"  then  fayd  fhe,  "  how  read  you  the 
feventh  and  feventeenth  chapters  of  the  A6ls 
'jf  the  Apoflles  '^.  What  fay  St.  Stephen  and 
St.  Paul  therein  }  " 

"  Nay,"  fayth  he,  "  I  have  not  their  words 
Rt  mv  finfrers'  end." 


Miflrcfs    Anne  AJkew.  171 

'•  Tlicfe  be  they,"  fayd  flie— "  Sayth  Stephen 
(Ads  feven,  forty-eight)  '  Howbeit  the  MoU 
High  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made  with 
liands  :  as  fayth  the  Prophet,  Heaven  is  my 
throne  and  earth  is  my  footftool :  what  houfe 
will  ye  build  Me  ?  fayth  the  Lord  :  or  what  is 
the  place  of  my  reft  ?  Hath  not  my  hand 
made  all  thefe  things  ? ' — Holy  Stephen  quot- 
ed the  prophet  Ifay  :  chapter  fixty-fix.  Hear 
alfo  what  St.  Paul  fayth  :  Acts  feventeen — 
'God,  that  made  the  world  and  all  things 
therein,  feeing  that  he  is  Lord  of  Heaven 
and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made 
with  hands  ;  neither  is  worfhipped  with 
men's  hands,  as  though  he  needeth  anie 
thing,  feeing  he  giveth  to  all,  life  and  breath 
and  all  things.' " 

"  Well,"  fayth  he,  looking  fomething  mazed, 
"  how  take  ye  thefe  fentences  }  " 

On  which  fhe,  with  the  only  little  dafli  of 
impatience  from  firft  to  laft,  fayd — "  I  will  not 
throw  pearls  before  fwine ;  acorns  are  good 
enow  for  them." 

After  a  paufe,  he  afked  her, 

"How  came  you  to  fay,  'I  had  rather 
read  five  lines  in  the  Bible  than  hear  five 
maffes.?'" 


172  The  Fa  ire  Gofpdler, 

-  "  Well,  I  would  rather,"  fhe  layd  quiet- 
lie. 

"  How  fo  ?  " 

"  Not  for  the  difpraife  of  the  Epiftle  or 
Gofpel,  but  becaufe  the  one  would  greatly 
edify  me,  the  other  not  at  all." 

"  How }  Not  at  all  1 " 

"  Doth  not  St.  Paul  witnefs  in  the  four- 
teenth chapter  of  his  firft  epiftle  to  the 
Corinthians,  faying,  '  If  the  trumpet  giveth 
an  uncertain  found,  who  will  prepare  himfelf 
for  the  battle  ? ' " 

"  Oh,  then  you  maintain  that  if  an  ill 
Prieft  miniftereth,  'tis  the  fubflance  of  the 
devil,  and  not  of  God." 

Then  fhe :  "  I  never  fayd  fo  ;  nor  did  I 
mean  it.  The  ill-conditions  of  the  Prieft 
that  miniftered  could  nohow  hurt  my  faith. 
In  fpirit  I  fliould  ftill  receive  the  body  and 
blood  of  Chrift." 

"  What  haft  thou  to  fay,  as  touching  Con- 
feffion  ? " 

"  The  fame  that  St.  James  fayd,  that  every 
man  ought  to  acknowledge  his  faults  to  others, 
arid  pray,  the  one  for  the  other." 

"  What  is  your  judgement  of  the  King's 
book .? " 


MiJIirfs   Anne  Afkcw.  ly-}^ 

"  Nay,  I  can  form  no  judgement,  tor  I  have 
never  read  it !  " 

Dare  feemed  to  have  come  to  his  wit's  end, 
for  he  now  fent  for  a  Prieft  noted  for  a 
Zealot. 

He,  in  place  of  dodging  her  after  the 
previous  unfkilled  fafliion,  held  to  one  main 
point,  and  preffed  her  hard  dov/n  upon  it. 
What  deemed  fhe  of  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Altar .? 

She,  perceiving  him  for  what  he  was, 
one  that  would  fain  entangle  her  in  hei 
talk,  fayd  only,  "I  pray  you  have  me  ex- 
cufed." 

He  prefented  the  queflion  to  her  again  in 
various  forms  ;  but  Ihe  returned  no  other 
anfwer.  At  this  juncture,  I  heard  a  hard 
breathing  clofe  behind  me,  and  looking  round, 
beheld  Mafter  Britain,  gazing  and  liftening 
with  the  utmoft  anxiety. 

Then  fayd  the  Priefb,  "  Believeft  thou  not, 
that  private  Maffes  help  departed  Souls  .^ 
Anfwer  thou  me." 

To  whom  flie  anfwered,  "  It  were  indeed 
idolatry,  to  believe  more  in  them  than  in  the 
death  which  Chrift  died  for  us  miferable 
finners." 


1/4  'T^^^  Fa  ire  Gojpcllcr^ 

I  drew  a  deep  figh,  and  'twas  echoed 
bcfide  me.  Then  fayd  Chriftopher  Dare, 
with  a  geflure  of  impatience,  "  There  is 
no  arguing  with  fuch  a  woman — fhe  mull;  be 
brought  before  the  Lord  Mayor." 

It  might  have  been  thought  a  matter  of 
dailie  courfe  to  her  to  be  brought  before 
him,  fo  compofedly  did  fhe  go  forth  to  appear 
before  him  and  the  Common  Council  then 
fitting  in  Guildhall. 

My  Lord  Mayor,  Sir  Martin  Bowes  by 
name,  a  goldfmith  of  good  Yorkfhire  family, 
might  be  reafonably  fuppofed  no  rare  theo- 
logian. He  put  to  her  the  futile  and  irre- 
verend  queftion  that  had  alreadie  been  mooted 
along  with  many  other  Quodlibets,  as  touch- 
ing a  Moufe  that  fhould  eat  the  Hoft :  adding, 
"  What  fayeft  thou,  foolifb  Woman  t  " 

Thereat    Miftrefs    Anne    did    not    refrain 
from    fmiling ;    and    fundrie  of  the    Council 
laughed    outright,    which    made    the    Lord  * 
Mayor  fore  difpleafed. 

"Tell  me,  woman,"  quod  the  Chancellor  of 
London,  "  haft  thou  not  by  word  of  mouth 
publicly  addreffed  congregitions  contrary  to 
Scripture  .■* " 

"  No,  on  my  faith,"  fayth  fhe. 


Mip-cfs   Anne  A/Iceiv.  175 

It  came  into  my  mind  that  he  muft  have 
heard  fome  Bruit  of  her  ftanding  by  the 
Le6lern  in  Lincoln  Cathedral,  before  the 
face  of  all  the  people.  Sad  to  relate,  though 
her  anfwers  gave  or  fliould  have  given  full 
fatiffaftion,  they  had  no  mind  to  be  fatiffyde  ; 
whereby  this  faire  and  innocent  Lady,  by 
nature  fliamefaft,  by  education  cultivated,  of 
habits  retired  and  unacquainted  with  the 
world,  was  fent  to  the  Comptor  prifon  in 
Bread  Strete,  the  Lord  Mayor  refufmg  to 
take  bail. 

A  mob  of  men  and  boys,  moftly  City 
Prentices,  hung  about  the  grated  window 
whence  the  Prifoners  could  look  forth. 
Lettice  and  I  did  the  fame,  albeit  with  fmall 
expe6lance  that  Miftrefs  Anne  would  fliow 
her  dear  face  at  it.  However,  when  we 
heard  the  prifoners  begging  a  few  pence  of 
the  by-ftanders  to  buy  bread,  and  appre- 
hended that  our  own  dear  Lady  might  e'en 
want  food  with  the  reft,  we  fearched  our 
pouches,  but  alas,  found  not  fo  much  as  a 
Genoa  halfpenny  therein.  On  this,  Lettice, 
with  a  hardihood  for  which  I  fmcerelv  com- 
mend  her,  went  up  to  the  keen-looking  lads 
and  accofted  them  with,  "  Of  your  pity,  fair 


1/6  TJic  Fa  ire  Gofpellcr, 

young  Sirs,  a  trifle  for  my  good  Miftrefs ; 
and  may  ye  never,  never  know  what  it  is  to 
want  a  Cruft  of  Bread  ! " 

On  this,  with  the  impulfivenefs  of  youth, 
they  abfolutely  fhowered  fmall  coin  on  her, 
till,  I  believe,  they  had  none  left ;  fhe  thank- 
ing and  bleffing  them  with  more  fluency 
than  I  could  have  commanded,  had  my  Life 
depended  on  it.  Then  flie  would  have 
handed  the  money  through  the  grate,  but  the 
villainous  expreffion  of  fome  of  the  faces 
looking  forth,  made  her  diftruftful.  At 
length  a  good,  pious  man,  whom  we  knew 
by  fight,  received  it  of  her,  and  promifed  it 
fliould  go  to  her  Lady. 

Oh,  where  was  Sir  Francis,  the  loved 
companion  of  her  youth  (that  bade  her  face 
the  Bull  and  ran  away  himfelf)  ?  where  was 
the  Husband  of  her  Efpoufals,  who  had 
promifed  to  cherifh  and  fuccour  her  till  Death 
fliould  them  part  ? 

As  well  aflc  for  lafl:  Summer's  Gnats.  The 
fair  Creature  was  utterly  left  to  her  own 
Difcretion  and  Faithfuluefs  ;  which,  fo  fup- 
porting  her  as  they  did,  made  it  clear  to  all 
but  the  wilfully  bliiid,  that  grace  was  given 
her  from  On  High.     She  looked  unto  the  Hill 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkciv. 


177 


from  whence  came  her  help  ;  and  the  Lord, 
in  place  of  removing  her  Trial,  fupported  her 
under  it. 


SECTION   XII. 


Of  our  Change  of  Place. 


HOW  were  we  (Inick  through  as 
with  a  dart,  when  the  Prifon  Door 
clofed  on  our  loved  Miftrefs  Anne! 
We  went  back  to  our  Lodging  the 
wretch cdeft  fouls  on  earth,  there  to  be  affailed 
by  a  flood  of  importunate  Oueftions  from  the 
Woemen,  and  floods  of  Tears  and  bitter 
Lamentations,  in  the  which  I  fliame  not  to 
fay  I  joined.  By  and  by,  I  bade  them  call  to 
mind  how  that  when  Peter  was  caft  into 
Prifon,  prayer  was  made  without  ceafing  of 
the  Church  unto  God  for  him  ;  and  that  it 
was  while  they  were  engaged,  late  at  night 
in  that  very  a6l,  that  he  was  delivered  unto 
them,  even  by  the  hand  of  an  Angel,  fo  that 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkcw.  179 

the  Servant-maid  Rhoda,  hearing  his  voice  at 
the  Gate,  opened  it  not  for  gladnefs,  but  ran 
in  to  tell  the  reft.  And  I  improved  Miflrefs 
Anne's  command  of  the  Scriptures,  chapter 
and  verfe  and  word  for  word,  and  Ihowed 
how  they  were  the  Sword  of  the  Spirit  that 
man  could  neither  gainfay  nor  refift,  though 
he  could  gag  the  mouth  that  fpoke  them. 
Thereafter  we  gave  ourfelves  the  greater  part 
of  the  night  to  Prayer,  and  many  enfuing 
nights  and  days  our  Minds  were  continually 
in  a  fupplicating  poflure  before  the  Lord, 
pleading  with  Him  His  own  Promifes, 
and  acknowledging  we  were  not  worthy 
to  Afk  what  yet  we  befought  him  to  per- 
form. 

At  the  end  of  twelve  days,  I  learned  from 
Mafter  Britain,  to  whom  I  made  dailie  refort, 
that  he  had  obtained  leave  to  fee  her  and 
concert  with  her  meafures  for  her  Releafe  on 
bail.  I  waited  for  him  outfide,  and  when 
he  came  forthe,  his  face  looked  full  of  care. 
He  told  me  Bifhop  Bonner  had  fent  a  Prieft 
unto  her,  to  prove  her  with  hard  queftions, 
and  that  her  matter  was  now  handed  over  to 
the  Ecclefiaftical  Court.  She  was  to  go 
before  the  Bifhop  next  day. 


i8o  TJie  Faire  Cofpdlcr, 

When  I  repeated  this  to  the  Woemen  they 
begun  to  lament  and  fay,  "Alas,  for  us,  our 
prayers  are  not  heard."  I  fayd,  "  Ye  filly 
fouls,  there  is  more  need  for  prayer  than  ever  : 
be  at  it  without  ceafmg  ;  perchance  it  may 
draw  a  Bleffmg  and  not  a  Curfe." 

So  they  took  pattern  by  the  importunate 
Widow,  and  fpared  not  their  pleadings,  Day 
nor  Night.  Meantime  the  Bifliop  of  London 
having  told  Mafter  Britain  that  anie  of  the 
Prifoner's  friends  might  be  prefent  at  her 
examination  the  day  following,  he  fcnt  off 
expreffes  to  her  Brothers,  and  to  her  Huf- 
band,  if  haply  his  Heart  might  be  foftened. 
But  they  came  not,  and  indeede  Time  woulde 
have  failed,  if  Inclinacion  had  not.  To  be 
briefe,  no  one  fliowed  friendlie  to  her,  but 
Mafter  Britain  and  my  unworthy  felf ;  and  I 
had  no  Bail  to  offer,  and  only  went  to  fee 
and  hear  all  I  coulde,  how  the  matter  would 
turn,  and  remained  in  the  Lobby,  while 
Alafler  Britain  went  in.  Meanwhile  a  friend 
of  his,  one  Mafter  Spelman  of  Gray's  Inn, 
arrived  at  his  inftance,  to  be  her  Surety., 
fhould  no  kinfman  appear. 

They  waited  as  long  as  they  could  for  her 
Brothers,  and  the  Bifhop  bade  Mafter  Britain 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJIccw.  i8i 

exhort  her  meantime,  to  reveal  freelv  the 
fecrets  of  her  heart  when  flie  came  to  be 
examined,  for  that,  whatever  the  fhould  fay, 
in  his  Houfe,  no  man  fliould  hurt  her  for  it. 
This,  Bifhop  Bonner  repeated  to  her  himfelf, 
when  he  went  in  to  fee  her  privately  ;  Ihow- 
ing  none  of  that  Severity  and  Ruthleffnefs  he 
afterward  made  manifeft. 

All  being  ready  (fave  the  kindred  that  ne'er 
came)  Miftrefs  Anne  was  brought  before  tlie 
Court  with  proper  order ;  and  the  Bifliop 
began  examining  her  on  the  Sacrament. 
Attaining  to  no  fatiffa6lory  Iffue  thereby, 
the  Bifhop  went  out,  anon  returning  with  a 
written  Paper,  to  which  he  defired  her  to 
fign  her  Name.  She,  looking  at  what  was 
writ,  before  figning,  fayd, 

"  I  believe  fo  much  thereof  as  the  book  of 
Scripture  doth  agree  to." 

On  this,  he  fliortly  replyed,  "  It  is  not  for 
you  to  teach  me  what  to  write." 

Then  Are,  taking  the  pen  which  was  given 
her,  wrote,  "  I  Anne  Afkew  do  believe  all 
manner  of  thynges  contayned  in  the  faith  of 
the  Catholic  Church." 

When  the  Bifhop  faw  what  was  writ,  he 
waxed   red  with  choler,  and  rifing  up  from 


1 82  The  Faire  GofpcUcr, 

his  feat,  went  forthe  into  his  withdrawing:- 
room.  Thither  followed  him  Mafter  Britain 
and  Do6lor  Wefton,  and  found  him  in  a  rage 
with  the  perverfeft  creature  he  had  known  in 
his  life.     Sayd  Mafter  Britain — 

"  O  my  Lord !  fet  not  her  weak  woman's 
witt  againft  your  Lordfhip's  great  wifdom  !  " 
— and  Do6tor  Wefton  fayd  other  mollyfying 
things  ;  fo  that,  in  fine,  ye  Bifliop  was 
brought  to  releafe  his  vi6tim  that  time  on 
Bail.  Howbeit,  fhe  was  ftill  detained  two 
more  days  in  Cuftody,  (which  gave  her 
younger  Brothers  time  to  have  come)  till  flie 
fhould  agayn  appear  before  the  civill  authori- 
ties in  Guildhall.  Then  fhe  finally  obtayned 
her  Difcharge  in  the  Confiftory  Court  of  St. 
Paul's  ;  her  coufm  Britain  and  Mafter  Spel- 
man  being  Sureties  for  her  future  appearance 
if  it  were  required. 

And  thus  we  got  her  back.  Our  eyes 
were  filled  with  Tears  of  joy  rather  than  our 
mouths  with  laughter,  at  her  fo  great  deliver- 
ance ;  and  there  was  not  one  of  us  fayd, 
"  Why  obtayned  ye  not  fooner  Releafe  .-* " 
She  was  free  and  yet  fhe  had  yielded  not  a 
jot  ;  for  the  claiife  fhe  appended  to  her  Name 
bare   witncfs   that  flie  had    never   recanted, 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJJcczv.  J83 

Bonner,  meanwhile,  might  boaft,  an'  he 
would,  of  having  got  her  fignature — he  knew 
what  that  addition  fignified,  and  forgat  it  not 
nor  forgave. 

When  fhe  came  forth,  I  lookt  to  fee  her 
faire  Face  marred  with  grief  and  Terror : 
having  nightly  pi6lured  her  to  myfelf  lying 
alone  and  in  Darkneffe,  in  fome  Mean  Cell, 
her  Spiritts  amazed  and  dejefted.  On  the 
contrary,  though  her  Raiment  (which  was  of 
Black)  was  foiled  with  duft,  her  Face,  en- 
gaging as  a  Child's,  looked  all  Peace  and 
Sweetncfs  ;  and  almoft  her  firft  word  to 
me,  after  learning  how  fared  the  Infants, 
was — 

"  O,  dear  friend  !  I  have  found  that  Thing 
which  I  defired,  but  wift  not  would  ever  be 
vouchfafed  me — fomething  to  do  and  to  fufifer 
for  God.  Since  He  hath  counted  me  worthy 
to  bear  teftimony  for  Him,  there  is  nothing  I 
fhall  love  fo  much  to  do  unto  my  Life's  end, 
He  being  my  Helper." 

I  fayd,  "  Befeech  ye,  Miftrefs,  be  careful,  for 
the  young  Babes'  fakes." 

She  fayd,  "  I  feemed,  in  prifon,  to  feel 
their  little  Fingers  twining  round  mine. 
Carelefs    I    may    not    be  ;    cowardly   will     I 


184  The  Faire  Gofpcller, 

never  be.  I  brought  not  my  Trial  on  niy- 
felf,  anie  more  than  anie  that  reforted  to 
Porter  in  Newgate  ;  and  I  anfwered  the 
Oueft  to  the  beft  of  my  judgement.  I  did 
not  force  the  Truth  on  them,  they  forced  it 
from  me.  Should  they  tear  me  with  red- 
hot  pincers,  they  will  get  nothing  elfe." 
And  fhe  added  that  the  lads  of  Sparta  could 
bear  to  be  whipped  before  the  Altars,  without 
fo  much  as  quecking. 

When  I  fayd  Sir  Francis  fhould  have  come, 
her  face  changed,  and  fhe  fayd,  "Ah,  he  might 
ha'  come,  an'  he  would." 

I  fayd,  "  Maybe  my  Lady  would  not  let 
him." 

"  Coufm  Britain,"  quod  fhe,  "  did  not  fail 
me  like  my  Brothers." 

'Twas  pretty  to  fee  her  fly  to  her  children 
and  fondle  them,  and  they  neftling  in  her 
arms,  to  fmother  her  with  kiffcs  ;  but  foon 
fhe  fayd  fhe  muft  change  her  prifon-foiled 
garments.  Oh  !  what  Thankfgivings  rofe 
from  our  full  hearts  that  Night.  When  the 
Infants  were  a-Bed,  fhe  took  her  Lute,  and 
fang  a  fweet  Hymn  (lie  had  compofed  in  her 
imprifonment. 

Thereafter,  we  had  three  months  of  peace- 


Mijtrefs    A 71  fie  AJJccw.  185 

fulle  reft  :  and,  for  that  we  were  driven  to 
hard  fhift,  fometimes,  for  our  daily  Meat,  fo 
fcant  were  her  Means,  I  betook  me  to  em- 
blazon fundrie  Samples  of  Ornamental  Pen- 
manfhip,  which  raifed  a  few  Shillings. 
We  never  abounded  and  we  never  lacked. 
Miftrefs  Anne  was  fent  for  once  and  agayn 
by  Lady  Hertford  and  Lady  Denny,  the 
Countefs  of  Suffex,  and  the  Duchefs  of  Suf- 
folk, and  I  played  the  Uflier  to  her  when  fhe 
went  to  Greenwich,  albeit  my  well-bruflied 
Suit  was  too  threadbare  to  find  favour  in  the 
fcornful  eyes  of  the  Waiters  in  the  ante- 
chamber. On  one  occafion,  that  gracious 
child,  the  Lady  Jane  Grey,  then  nine  years 
old,  did  run  after  her  as  fhe  came  forth,  and 
fay  in  a  low  voice,  "  Oh,  Miftrefs  Afkew, 
the  Queen  wiflies  to  fee  the  book  you  fpoke 
of"  "^ 

For  her  grace  Queen  Katherine  Parr  was 
herfelf  an  illuftrious  Reformer,  and  had  ap- 
pointed Miles  Coverdale  her  Almoner,  and 
commiffioned  Nicholas  Udall,  Mafter  of  Eton 
fchool,  to  edit  the  Tranftations  of  Erafmus 
his  Paraphrafes  of  the  four  Gofpels ;  e'en 
inciting  her  royal  ftep-daughter,  Princefs 
Mary,  to  accept  its  dedication  :   the   Queen 


1 86  The  Faire  GofpcUcr, 

being  then  at  Hanworth.  And  t.ie  Lady 
Herbert  and  Lady  Tyrrell,  and  young  Lady 
Jane  Grey,  all  of  her  privy-chamber,  were  all 
of  'em  Reformers,  and  fearched  the  Scrip- 
tures diligently  in  the  fpirit  of  the  Bereans. 
Wherefore  it  is  eafie  to  conclude  with  what 
zeft  they  hearkened  unto  her  who  now  was 
called  The  Faire  Gofpeller,  and  who  had  en- 
dured bond  and  imprifonment  for  the  Truth 
as  it  is  in  Jefus. 

This  good  countenance  toward  her  could 
not  be  hid  in  a  corner.  And  albeit,  when 
file  went  to  the  Palace,  fhe  was  had  into  the 
privy-chamber  where  none  overheard  her 
talk  with  her  Majefty  and  the  Honorable 
women  :  it  became  furmized  and  whifpered 
among  the  houfehold,  that  Miftrefs  Anne 
flood  high  in  royal  regard.  All  this  while 
her  family  held  clofe,  in  their  Country-feats, 
and  gave  no  fignal  of  Love  or  Remem- 
brance. 

In  the  month  of  June,  woe  worth  the  hour  ! 
file  was  fummoned  again  before  the  Council  in 
Guildhall,  along  with  Miftrefs  Joan  Santery, 
and  Robert  Luken,  fervant  of  Sir  Humphrey 
Brown.  But  nought  being  proven  againfl 
them,    they  were    all    difcharged  ;    only    one 


Mijlrefs  Anne  AJJzew.  187 

witnefs  appearing  againfl  Luken,  and  he 
feeming  influenced  by  malice.  Great  was 
our  thankfulnefs  to  have  Miftrefs  Anne  once 
more  refcued  from  the  Lions'  Den  ;  this  time 
alfo,  fhe  had  made  no  temporizing  con- 
ceffion,  neither  damaged  herfelf  by  any 
felf-accufation.  She  offended  not  with  the 
tongue. 

Mafter  Britain  payd  her  Quarterage  punc- 
tualKc,  and,  knowing  how  hard  a  matter  we 
bad  to  hve,  would  have  preffed  on  her  money 
of  his  own  ;  but  fhe  would  none  of  it,  fay- 
inof,  if  her  Husband  and  Brothers  would  do 
as  they  ought,  fhe  need  be  beholden  to  no- 
body, and  if  they  would  not,  flie  would  make 
fliift  with  that  fhe  had.  Indeed,  never  Lady 
made  fo  little  fufifice  as  flie  did  :  her  linen 
and  cambric,  of  the  fineft,  carefully  waflied 
and  mended  by  Lettice,  wanted  hitherto  no 
additions  :  flie  had  one  or  two  black  gowns 
for  morning  wear,  and  a  deep  Black  Velvet 
for  Court,  on  which  her  long,  taper,  jewel- 
led fingers  looked  like  wax.  Pier  fmall 
white  ruff  and  wrift  cuffs  were  broidered 
with  red — emblem  of  that  red  and  fiery 
burning  in  which  her  fair  body  was  after- 
wards  confumed.     Thofe  Ladies  her  friends 


1 88  The  Faire  Gofpclle}, 

would  have  fupplyed  her  handfomely  with 
aught  ihe  needed,  but  fhe  would  never  take 
of  them. 

One  day  when  I  attended  her  to  Green- 
wich, and  was  awaiting  her  in  the  ante- 
room, which  of  all  places  I  count  the  moft 
tedious,  a  flippant  hanger-on,  with  fubtle 
malice  in  his  long,  narrow,  ill-favoured  face, 
croffcd  the  room  to  me  on  the  pointed  tips  of 
his  toes,  and  befpoke  me  with — 

"  By  your  favour.  Sir ;  what  think  you  of 
thefe  vext  queltions  ? " 

"  I  know  not  of  what  you  fpeak,"  quod  I. 

"  Of  thefe  Six  Articles,  and  fuch  like." 

"  Oh,"  fayd  I.  "  Thofe  are  queftions 
that  feem  to  invite  no  anfwer.  They  may 
vex  fundric,  but  I  know  not  how  they  can 
be  vext." 

"  You  are  guarded,"  fayd  he. 

"  Are  not  you  fo  } "  fayd  I.  "  Every  man 
had  better  be  :  efpeciallie  a  King's  Penfioner. 
Look  here,"  pulling  a  copy  of  my  Treatyfe 
from  my  pouch,  "  here's  a  little  work  writ 
by  my  unworthie  pen,  for  which  I  receive 
the  King's  bounty  to  this  day.  The  Print, 
you  fee,  is  Fine :  the  Topic  not  uninter- 
efting.      A  few  copies  are  flill  on  hand  at  the 


Mijirefs   Anne  A/Iccw.  189 

Bible  and  Crown,  if  you  fliould  pleafe  to  take 
one." 

"  Thanks,"  fayd  he ;  going  off  quicker 
than  he  came.  Thereafter,  when  anie  of 
'em  feemed  about  to  accoft  me  with  trouble- 
fome  intent,  I  took  the  whip-hand  of  'em 
by  inviting  them  to  fubfcribe  to  a  new  edition 
of  my  Book  dedicated  to  the  King.  They 
foon  fhunned  me  Hke  contagion. 

About  this  time,  I  had  a  noteworthy 
Dream.  I  fay  not  there  was  aught  fuper- 
natural  in  it,  but  at  any  rate  it  notably  fore- 
Ihadowed  events.  Methought  Miftrefs  Anne 
was  walking  on  a  fair  Terrace  by  a  River 
fide,  with  one  of  thofe  devout  Ladyes,  and 
that  anon  they  Tate  down  on  a  ftone  Bench 
and  continued  converfing,  though  I  heard 
not  one  word  that  they  fayd.  Meanwhile 
the  darknefs  of  Evening  gradually  ftole  on, 
and  I  continued  to  watch  with  pleafure  the 
motion  of  their  lips,  their  earneft,  pretty 
geftures,  and  the  concern  difplayed  in  their 
countenances.  Looking  up,  I  beheld  in  the 
deep  purple  Firmament  a  little  twinkling 
Star,  juft  beginning  to  be  born,  as  'twere, 
in  the  blue  expanfe.  Beholding  it  fixedly, 
I  faw  it  wax  bigger   and   brighter,    defcend- 


190  The  Fairc  Gofpcllcr, 

ing  gradually  towards  Miftrefs  Anne,  till 
at  .ength  it  difclofed  itfelf  as  a  glorious 
Crown,  and  encircled  her  Head  .  .  whereon 
I  woke. 

Yet  month  followed  month,  and  ftill  we 
dwelt  in  peace. 

One  day,  I  was  croffmg  Lincoln's  Inn 
Fields,  when  I  almoft  ran  againft  Sir  Francis. 
He  turned  quite  white  when  he  faw  who  I 
was  ;  though,  at  the  moment,  he  had  clapped 
his  hand  on  his  Sword.  I  was  equally 
ftartled,  but  made  my  Obeifance,  and  fayd, 
"  Sir  Francis,  Miftrefs  Anne  will  rejoice  to 
fee  you." 

"  Forbear  to  mention  name.s^"  interrupted 
he,  quickly.  "  Call  me  plain  Sir,  and  fpeak 
of  her  as  your  Miftrefs.  What  makes  fhe 
now.     How  fares  fhe  .-' " 

"  As  poorly  as  flie  well  can,  having  fcarce 
cheefe  to  her  bread." 

"  Tut,  tut !  to  whom  is  it  owing }  She 
hath  brought  it  on  herfelf  What  a  fine 
mefs  fhe  got  into,  being  fliut  up  in  the 
Comptor !  'Tis  no  very  pleafant  thing  for  a 
gentleman  of  my  Pofition  to  hear  talked  of, 
I  can  tell  thee.  She  fhould  think  of  her 
Kindred  a  little." 


Mijtrcfs    Anne  AJketv.  IQI 

"And  her  Kindred  of  her,  Sir,"  layd  I. 
FTe  looked  fiercely  at  me,  but  I  would  not  be 
put  down. 

"  Oh ! "  fayd  I,  "  how  you  once  loved 
her ! " 

He  was  turning  on  his  Heel  ;  but 
flopped. 

"You  drive  me  out  of  my  mind,"  fayd 
he,  impatiently.  "Attend  to  what  I  am 
about  to  fay,  Nicholas.  A  frefli  Herefy 
Bill  hath  paffed,  the  meflies  of  which  are  not 
fo  wide  but  my  Sifter  may  be  caught  in  it. 
Let  her  take  warning  betimes,  and  be  ruled 
for  her  fafety.  Inftead  of  hanging  about  the 
Court  (a  moft  unfeemlie  pra6tice  for  a  mar- 
ried woman  feparated  from  her  husband)  let 
her  refume  the  old  fliamefaftnefs  and  quiet- 
nefs,  which,  as  you  fay,  once  made  her  fo 
dear  to  me.  I  know  of  a  fafe  Retreat, 
where  fhe  may  harbour,  an'  if  flic  will,  till 
this  prefent  danger  be  overpaft.  Do  you 
think  file  will  have  fenfe  enow  to  abide 
m  It —  ( 

"  With  me,  and  her  Children,  and  her 
Maid,  Sir .? " 

"  Aye,  all  of  you.     Is  flie  fcant  of  money  ? " 

"  She  hath  fcarce  anie." 


192  TJie  Faire  Go/pel  I cr, 

"  Why  has  not  Britain  advanced  her  forne?" 

"  She  would  not  have  it." 

"  Tilly-vally.  Well,  I  will  allow  you, 
Nicholas,  fo  much  by  the  week.  You  ufed 
to  bear  the  Purfe  when  we  travelled,  and 
were  a  pretty  fair  Accountant.  I  will  allow 
you  fo  much  for  the  whole  family  by  the 
Week,  payable  to  yourfelf  through  Mafter 
Britain,  as  long  as  flie  will  accept  the  covert, 
and  abide  in  it.  Do  you  clofe  with  the 
offer.?" 

"As  far  as  I  can,  Sir,  for  another:  and 
thankfully." 

"Well,  try  to  get  her  to  do  the  fame: 
and  let  me  know." 

"  Will  you  not  fee  her,  Sir  > " 

"No,  by  no  means.  It  would  affedl  me 
too  much.  Come  hither  to-morrow,  at  this 
jiour — Nay,  go  to  Mafter  Britain's  chamber, 
that  will  be  beft.  Tell  him  ;  and  he  will  tell 
you." 

Saying  which  he  waved  his  hand,  and 
fwung  out  of  fight  with  the  white  Feather 
ftreaming  from  his  fmart  Beaver. 

When  I  told  Miftrefs  Anne  I  had  feen 
him,  her  colour  changed,  and  tears  came 
into  her  eyes.      She  fayd — "Why  came  not 


I 


Mijtrefs  Anne   AJkew.  193 

clear  Frank  near  me  ?  Where  is  he  ?  I'll 
j2;o  to  him." 

"He  told  not  where  he  was,"  fayd  I,  "  and 
apparently  wifhed  us  not  to  know.  Elfe,  why 
interpofe  a  third  party  .''  " 

"  What  doft  thou  advife  me  to  do,  Mold- 
warp  } " 

"  In  faith.  Madam,  what  good  do  you 
here  1  Your  matter  with  Mafter  Kyme  is 
no  more  advanced.  Your  means  are  almoft 
extin6l :  you  will  not  borrow  of  friends. 
You  fayd  nobody  fhould  help  you  but  your 
Husband  or  your  Brother.  Be  helped,  then, 
by  your  Brother." 

"  Sayd  he  what  his  help  would  be  .'' " 

"  No ;  but  he  fayd  it  fliould  fuffice  for 
all." 

After  meditating  a  little,  fhe  fayd,  "Well 
then,  fo  let  it  be.  Having  but  food  and 
raiment,  let  us  therewith  be  content.  I  care 
not  how  removed  the  Retreat  is,  fo  I  have 
my  Children." 

So  I  carried  her  acquiefcence  to  Mafter 
Britain,  who  feemed  mighty  relieved  by  it  ; 
and  he  gave  me  the  firft  inftallment  of  our 
allowance,  which  was  flill  fmaller  than  I 
had  looked  for  ;  and  ordayned  that  we  fhould 

9 


194 


TJie  Faire  Gofpeller, 


make  up  our  Fardels  and  be  ready  to  ftart  in 
a  vehicle  that  fhould  be  provided  before  day- 
dawn,  at  a  certain  place. 


SECTION    XIII. 


Of  what  befcl  us  there. 


UR  Retreat,  out  of  fight  of  Men 
or  found  of  hoof  or  wheel,  was 
rufticall  enow  to  be  a  pleafing 
exchange  to  us  countrie-bred  Folk 
from  the  noife  of  Temple  Bar,  the  din  of 
Church-bells,  hoarfe  cries  of  Wagoners,  flirill 
calls  of  Fifhwomen  and  Milkmaids,  whooping 
and  whiflling  of  city-prentices,  with  now  and 
then  the  fhouts  of  "  Clubs  !  clubs  !"  When 
Spring  fliould  come  it  would  be  good  for  the 
little  ones  to  fmell  the  breath  of  cows,  and 
ftray  about  the  meadow  gathering  daifies  and 
buttercups  ;  and  meanwhile  we  had  an  inex- 
preffible  fenfe  of  peace  and  fafetie. 

Mafter  Britain  had  advanced  rae  a  month's 


196  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

Allowance  ;  and  when  I  went  to  him  for  the 
fecond,  he  told  me  things  were  going  ill 
with  the  Reformers,  and  left  I  fliould  be 
tracked,  he  would  pay  me  a  Quarter's  al- 
lowance, and  we  had  better  keep  as  fnug  as 
we  could  through  the  Winter  ;  which  we 
did.  When  I  next  went  to  him,  he  told  me 
anie  breach  of  the  Six  Articles  was  being 
eagerly  laid  hold  of  by  ye  Council,  in  fpecial 
when  anie  perfons  of  note  laid  themfelves 
open  to  fufpicion.  "  Therefore,"  fayth  he, 
"  keep  my  Coufin  as  quiet  as  ye  can,  and  let 
us  hope  (lie  may  be  overlookt." 

As  the  Spring  advanced,  he  told  me  Do6lor 
Latimer  and  Do6tor  Crome  had  been  had  up 
for  examination,  and  that  two  of  his  Majefty's 
perfonal  attendants,  fat  George  Blaage  (whom 
the  King  called  Piggy)  and  John  Lafcelles, 
were  imprifoned. 

"  'Tis  thought  matters  will  go  hard  with 
em,"  quod  he  ;  "  and  e'en  the  Queen's  ladies 
arc  imperilled,  nay,  e'en  the  Queen  herfelf ; 
fo  be  more  careful  of  my  Coufm  than 
ever." 

I  did  not  fee  how  I  could,  but  promifed  I 
would  take  all  the  care  in  my  power.  After- 
wards I  went    to  good  Miftrefs   Berry,  with 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJkew.  197 

whom  we  had  lodged  at  Temple  Bar.  She 
fayd  fhe  was  both  glad  and  forrie  to  fee  me : 
glad  to  fee  the  face  of  a  friend  ;  forry  that 
my  coming  to  her  might  lead  to  my  being 
tracked  ;  "  for,"  fayth  fhe,  "  this  houfe  is  fcill 
being  watched  from  next  door  ;  and  inquiry 
hath  lately  been  made  after  you." 

I  told  Miflrefs  Anne  this  with  trouble,  but 
fhe  calmly  fayd,  "  Be  not  difmayed  :  not  a 
hair  of  our  heads  fliall  fall  without  per- 
miflion  of  our  Heavenly  Father."  We  gave 
ourfelves  much  unto  prayer  ;  but  I  obferved, 
that,  while  I  prayed  for  her  Deliverance  from 
all  Dangers  ghoftly  and  bodilie,  fhe  only 
prayed  for  faith  and  fubmifTion,  and  dire6lion, 
and  ftrength  to  fulfil  the  Lord's  will,  and  pro- 
tection for  her  Children. 

One  night,  juft  at  Bed-time,  there  was  a 
rapping  at  the  Door  ;  and  on  my  opening  it, 
a  lad  thruft  a  Billet  into  my  hand,  and 
fled.  It  bore  no  fuperfcription,  but  contained 
thefe  words  in  Sir  Francis'  hand,  dif- 
guifed — 

"  Your  Retreat  is,  I  fear,  difcovered.  Flee 
to  the  place  you  wot  of,  without  the  Children. 
They  fhall  be  cared  for." 

I   gave    it    to   Miftrefs    Anne,    for    whom 


198  The  Faire  Gofpeller. 

'twas  meant.  She  changed  colour,  and  fayd, 
"  My  poor  little  ones !  m lift  I  leave  them  fo 
foon  ?  "  She  covered  her  eyes  with  her  hands 
for  a  minute,  and  I  faw  her  lips  moving. 
Then  (he  went  to  their  little  Bed  where 
they  lay  warmly  afleep,  lockt  in  each  other's 
arms,  like  the  Princes  in  the  Tower,  and 
kiffed  'em  both.  The  biggeft  fleepily  fayd, 
"  Good  night."  She  fayth,  "  Good  night 
God  blefs  my  children." 

Lettice  had  made  up  her  little  Fardel,  and 
gave  it  her  weeping.  She  took  the  good 
Girl  about  the  Neck  and  kiffed  her,  faying, 
"  Be  a  Mother  to  my  Children."  "  O  Madam, 
you  will  come  back,"  fayd  I.  "  That  is  as  may 
be,"  quod  fhe.  "  We  have  not  the  ordering 
of  it."  We  went  forthe  into  the  Dark,  fhe 
carrying  her  Bible  :  and  took  fliort  cuts  acrofs 
fields  and  over  ftiles  we  had  learnt  to  know 
by  daylight,  till  we  came  to  a  lone  Cottage. 
Directly  we  tapped,  the  door  was  opened,  and 
by  no  other  than  Sir  Francis.  She  fayd,  "  O 
my  Brother  !  "  and  fell  into  his  arms. 

He  kiffed  her  once  or  twice,  and  fayd 
with  emotion,  "  'Tis  well  you  are  in  fafety, 
Nan  ;  you  know  not  what  I  have  fuffered. 
Ye  arc  emperilling  me  as  well   as  yourfelf. 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJIeeiv.  199 

Now,  keep  quite  clofe  in  this  place,  till  I  bid 
you." 

She  fayd,  "  I  will." 

"  And  you,  Nicholas,  return  whence  ye 
came."     I  hefitated. 

She  fayd,  "  O  yes,  go  back,  Nicholas,  and 
watch  over  the  Children.  Let  me  think 
they  are  cared  for." 

I  fighed  and  fayd,  "  I  obey." 

"And  now,  fare  thee  well,  Nan,"  fayd  Sir 
Francis.  "  Maybe  ye  are  in  lefs  danger  than 
I,  when  all's  fayd.  I  would  that  Woemen 
took  more  heed  of  confequences." 

"  In  which  world  .''  "  quod  fhe. 

"  Tut,  tut,"  fayd  he,  impatiently  ;  "  there  is 
a  way  that  feems  good  unto  a  woman,  but 
the  end  thereof  is  death." 

She   looked  earneftlie  at  him,  and  fayd — 

"  Rather  Death,  than  falfe  of  Faith." 

He  hafted  forth,  and  prefentlie  we  heard  a 
horfe  galloping  away.  Then  after  a  tender 
parting,  I  quitted  her,  fhe  begging  me  to  let 
her  know  in  a  week,  or  ten  days  at  moft, 
how  the  Children  were,  and  how  things 
went.  So  I  left  her  in  that  fequeftered 
place. 

'Twas    none   too   foon,    for   next    morn    7 


200  The  Faire  Gofpcller, 

was  fitting  indoors,  with  my  Eyes  but  not 
my  Mind  on  a  Book,  when  two  ftrange 
Men,  marvelloufly  fi.ifpicioiis  in  appearance, 
came  to  the  Door,  and  afked  for  Miftrefs 
Anne.  The  children  by  good  hap  were 
abroad  with  Lettice. 

I  pretended  not  to  know  who  they  meant ; 
and  fayd,  "  There  is  no  Miftrefs  Anne  here. 
Walk  in  and  fee."  For  we  had  hidden  away 
all  her  things.  They  fayd,  "  Who  lodges 
here,  then  .^ " 

I  fayd,  "  I  do,  with  my  Niece  and  two 
Children.  I  am  a  poor  Scholar,  revifing  a 
Book.     Perhaps  you  will  like  to  buy  it  .''  " 

"  What  is  it  touching  t     The  Bible  } " 

"  No  :  the  Adornment  of  Gardens." 

They  fcofifed ;  and  looked  about  the  place  a 
little,  but  found  nothing.  I  watched  them 
depart  and  took  heart. 

I  waited  the  given  time,  and  then  went  to 
fee  her.  To  my  confternation  flie  was  gone  ! 
I  afked  the  Purblind  old  Woeman  whither 
file  had  fled.  She  fayd,  to  the  Houfe  in  the 
Chalk-pit.  How  had  Ihe  gone .-'  On  a 
Pillion  behind  a  Man. 

I  was  troubled  and  difmayed,  and  afkt 
the   diftance.      Five   mile,   or   maybe   fome- 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJIccw.  201 

thing  better.  How  long  had  fhe  been  gone  ? 
Two  days. 

I  ftarted  off  at  once,  and  reached  the 
Houfe  in  the  Chalk-pit  footfore  and  wearie. 
It  was  Ihut  up  and  fparred  within  :  I  knock- 
ed :  a  fierce  Maftiff  raged  infide,  but  feemed 
the  only  living  Creature.  In  vain  I  cried 
and  fliouted.     I  gat  no  anfwer. 

Turning  afide  in  forrow  of  heart,  I  faw  a 
little  boy  peeling  at  me  through  a  Hedge. 
I  fayd,  "  My  pretty  Boy,  haft  thou  feen  a 
Lady  about  here  '^ "  He  fayth,  "  Aye." 
"  Where  is  the  gone  ?  "  "  With  fome  Men." 
"  Where  have  they  ta'en  her  ? "  "  To  the 
Houfe  i'  th'  Wood."  "  How  were  the  Men 
apparelled  ? "  "  In  blue  coats  and  badges." 
"What  was  on  the  Badges.?"  "An  afs." 
Then  I  was  comforted,  for  'twas  the  Afkew 
cognizance.  I  fayd,  "  Canft  take  me  to  the 
Houfe  i'  th'  Wood.?"  He  hefitated,  till  1 
promifed  him  a  guerdon.  Then  he  fet  off 
running  before  me  on  his  bare  feet,  till  I 
could  hardlie  follow.  Howfoe'er,  I  managed 
to  keep  him  in  fight. 

At  length,  he  was  fpent,  and  cried,  "  See  ye 
that  foot-track  thro'  the  brake  !  Follow  it :  I 
cannot  go  farther."     I  urged  him,  but  he  was 

9* 


202  T]ie  Faire  Gofpeller, 

footfore  and  breathlefs,  fo  I  gave  him  the 
Penny  and  followed  the  Path.  It  proved 
much  longer  and  more  devious  than  he  had 
told  me,  and  I  oft  had  to  fight  my  way  through 
briars,  and  fometimes  I  feared  I  had  been  fent 
aftray  by  a  villanous  Child. 

At  length  I  came  out  on  a  little  Glade,  and 
on  the  farther  fide  of  it,  fure  enow,  was  the 
Houfe  i'  th'  Wood.  A  Hunting-lodge,  feem- 
inglie,  fallen  into  decay;  forae  of  the  fliutters 
hanging  by  one  hinge  ;  but  a  thin  wreath  of 
fmoke  curling  from  a  chimney  betokened  occu- 
pation. There  was  a  little  Brook  between  me 
and  it  ;  and  the  banks  being  rather  fteep,  I 
could  not  eafily  crofs.  While  walking  along 
its  Margent,  looking  for  a  ford,  I  heard  the 
ftealthy  footfall  of  Horfes,  and  peeping 
through  the  buflies,  watched  to  fee  who  fliould 
come. 

Acrofs  the  Glade,  beyond  the  Houfe,  was  a 
narrow  road  confifting  of  little  but  two  ruts 
o'ergrown  with  grafs.  From  the  covert  of 
Wood  over  this  road  iffued  forthe  a  little  knot 
of  horfemcn  :  one  of  the  foremoft  being  Sir 
I'^rancis.  He  was  wrapped  in  a  black  cloak  ; . 
his  ufually  fair  and  florid  face  was  fickly  pale, 
his  air  crcftfallen.     They  halted  and  looked  to 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJlcew.  203 

him  for  dire6lion :  he  feemed  irrefolute  a 
moment — then,  waving  his  daftard  arm  toward 
the  Houfe,  wheeled  his  horfe  about  and 
galloped  out  of  fight.  The  Craven ! — the  fell 
Traytour ! 

In  defperation,  I  leaped  the  Brook  ;  fell, — 
fprained  myfelf, — yet  ran  limping  to  the  back 
premifes  and  battered  at  the  Door,  crying, 
"  Alarm  !  alarm  !  "  None  heard  me.  There 
was  a  confufed  found  of  voices  in  front  ;  I  ran 
round,  and  faw  them  lifting  Miftrefs  Anne  on 
to  a  horfe. 

I  know  not  what  I  cried,  but  flie  looked 
about  ;  and  without  bewraying  me  for  her  fol- 
lower, cried  out,  "  Farewell,  all  who  love  me ! 
I  go  to  fhort  pain  and  long  joy." 

I  ruflied  at  them,  and  cried,  "  Take  me  too 
— I'm  the  fame  as  flie  !  If  fhe's  guilty,  I'm 
guilty." 

But  they  only  laughed. 

"  Give  the  good  Man  a  lift  thro'  the  Wood," 
fayd  flie,  calmly.  "  He  hath  been  a  faithful 
fervitor." 

"  Clamber  up  behind  me,  then,"  fayd  one  of 
the  horfemen  to  me,  not  unkindlie.  With 
thankfulnefs  I  obeyed. 

Soon  wc  were  threading  the  wood  in  fingle 


204  TJic  Faire  Gofpeller, 

file,  but  when  we  got  out  on  a  wider  road,  I 
prayed  my  companion  to  let  me  ride  alongfide 
Miftrefs  Anne,  which,  however,  he  would 
not. 

And  fo  we  rode  on  Londonward,  I  wot  not 
how  long,  being  ficke  with  griefe,  till  we  came 
to  a  branch  road,  when  my  companion  fayd, 
"  Alight  now.  In  faith,  thou  haft  had  a  pretty 
good  lift." 

And  Miftrefs  Anne,  looking  round,  cried, 
"  Farewell  !  farewell !  " 

O  how  beautiful  flie  looked,  and  how  fweet 
and  thrilling  was  her  voice  !  I  ftrained  mine 
eyes  after  her  as  long  as  flie  was  in  fight,  and 
then  went  on  my  way  weeping. 

That  craven  Brother!  How  I  hated  him 
in  my  heart !  He  had  indeed,  as  I  learnt 
afterwards,  been  affayled  with  threats  that 
might  intimidate  a  Cowardly  nature,  which 
his  was  now  proven  to  be  ;  but  that  excufed 
him  not  from  leading  the  Myrmidons  of 
injurtice  himfelf  to  the  Retreat  he  only  knew 
of  and  had  placed  her  in,  with  the  promife 
of  Safety.  Oh,  'twas  villanous  !  No  Plume 
wore  he  in  his  flouched  hat  that  day, 
but  he  fliowed  moft  complcatly  the  white 
Feather. 


MiJIirfs   Anne  AJIceiv.  205 

But  mark  the  refult  to  himfelf.  Men 
may  clifplay  their  natural  badnefs  an'  they 
will,  being  led  captive  by  the  Deftroyer,  but 
Juflice  fets  her  mark  on  them  fometimes,  in 
a  manner  that  fliows  beyond  miflake  the 
Divine  difpleafure.  From  the  hour  he 
pointed  out  her  Afylum  and  then  fled  like 
a  timid  Hare,  he  favv  ever  before  him,  e'en 
to  the  Day  of  her  Death,  an  infufferable 
bright  Light,  which  he  fpoke  of  as  like  that 
of  a  great  and  horrible  Fire  refle61;ed  in  a 
glais  Window.  This  curfe  he  took  about 
him,  wherever  he  went,  do  what  he  would, 
and  fometimes  it  drew  from  him  Groans  and 
Tears  of  torment. 

When  I  got  back  to  the  Cottage,  I  found 
Lettice  and  the  Infants  gone  !  I  fliould  now 
have  been  bewildered  outright,  but  for  a 
billet  left  for  me  by  my  Niece,  bidding 
me  not  to  be  alarmed,  for  that  the  Babes 
had  been  fent  for  by  Miftrefs  Difney,  who 
would  fuccour  them  till  rejoined  by  their 
Mother. 

The  Neft  being  thus  reft  of  its  Fledglings, 
I  turned  my  back  on  the  Cottage  next  morn- 
ing (for  my  fatigue  and  grief  infifted  on  a 
few  hours'   reft),  and  took  my  way   back  to 


206  TJic  Fa  ire  Gofpellcf, 

Temple  Bar,  where  I  craved  Ilielter  from 
Millrefs  Berry.  The  good  foul  readiHe 
took  me  in,  bidding  me  lodge  and  table 
with  her,  free  of  charge,  as  long  I  behoved, 
and  filed  fad  tears  on  hearing  of  this  new 
Trouble. 

Then  I  went  to  Mafter  Britain,  and  he 
told  me  Miftrefs  Anne  was  in  ward ;  but 
that  Kyme  was  going  to  appear  before  her 
firfl,  and  charge  her  with  forfaking  him. 
Sure,  this  was  the  Wolf  charging  the  Lamb 
with  muddying  the  Stream  ;  for  had  he  not 
turned  her  out  of  Doors  } 

Mafter  Britain's  Clerk,  i'  the  outer  Cham- 
ber, whom  I  knew  pretty  well  by  this 
time,  fayd  as  I  came  out,  "  Paufe  awhile, 
I  have  fomething  to  give  you," — and  went 
away. 

Almoft  the  next  moment.  Sir  Francis 
paffed  through,  and  went  ftraight  in  to 
Mafter  Britain.  I  flirank  back  with  inward 
loathing,  but  he  noticed  me  not.  His  face 
looked  wan  and  fhrunk,  his  eyes  continuallie 
blinked  as  though  he  could  not  controule  the 
vibration  of  his  eyelids.  I  heard  him,  in 
mofl;  piteous  and  lamentable  gulfc,  pray 
Mafter    Britain    to   get    his    Sifter   off,    even 


Mijl'refs   Auiie  AJJcew.  207 

at  the  price  of  half  his  Fortune.  Mafter 
Britain  faycl  he  flioulcl  do  his  beft  at  any 
rate,  but  thefe  were  matters  not  to  be  reached 
by  Guerdon.  He  feemed  to  wonder  at 
Kyme's  thinking  of  turning  the  tables  on 
her ;  but  Sir  Francis'  thoughts  were  all 
of  the  Ecclefiaftical  Court.  My  blood  boiled 
when  I  heard  the  craven  Knight  avow 
fuch  concern  for  her,  and  never  let  fell  that 
'twas  he  led  the  Myrmidons  to  her  Retreat. 
"  Waking  or  fleeping,"  fayth  he,  "  I  get  no 
Reft." 

Involuntarilie  the  words  efcaped  me,  as 
though  forcing  'emfelves  from  my  heart — 

"  Rather  Death  than  falfe  of  Faith." 

He  inftantly  gave  a  kind  of  Sob,  and  I 
heard  a  heavy  Fall.  Mafter  Britain  called, 
"  Help !  help ! "  I  ran  in,  and  faw  Sir 
Francis  on  the  floor. 

"  Run,  run  for  a  Do6lor  ! "  cried  Mafter 
Britain.  I  did  fo,  and  in  the  doorway  nearly 
ran  againft  the  Clerk,  carrying  a  big  Book  he 
thought  I  fhould  find  good  reading.  He  told 
me  where  to  find  ye  neareft  Leech,  with 
whom  I  returned  ;  and  finding  Sir  Francis 
was  alreadie  recovering  from  his  Swoon,  I 
paffed  out,  not  wifhing  to  fee  or  hear  more  of 


2o8  The  Faire  G  of  pellet. 

him.  I  was  difmayed  at  the  efifeft  of  my  fo 
hafty  Ejaculation,  which  prickt  too  fore  a 
Confcience.  He  took  the  echo  of  his  Sifter's 
words  for  fupernatural.  Mafter  Britain,  not 
knowing  'em  to  be  hers,  nor  couphng  them 
with  the  Trance,  nor  even  catching  their  fub- 
ftance,  did  only  think  of  Sir  Francis'  o'er- 
wroLight  condition,  and  attribute  it  to  flieer 
Affection  and  Attendriffement. 

Now  we  were  all  at  Paufe  till  Mafter  Kyme 
fliould  arrive  in  London.  When  he  did  fo, 
flie  was  brought  before  the  Privy  Council 
without  further  delay,  and  accufed  of  refufmg, 
without  juft  caufe,  to  live  with  her  husband. 
When  plied  with  Queftions,  fhe  refufed  to 
anfwer  them,  faying  the  Lord  Chancellor 
alreadie  knew  all  about  it  :  and  when  he  told 
her  it  was  the  Royal  pleafure  fhe  ftiould  plead, 
fhe  defired  to  do  fo  before  the  King  in  per- 
fon. 

"  It  is  not  reafon,"  he  reply'd,  "  that  the 
King  fhould  be  troubled  on  your  account." 

"  And  yet,"  quod  flie,  "  the  wifeft  King 
that  ever  lived  refufed  not  to  hearken  unto 
two  poor  women  that  came  to  him  for 
juft  ice." 

In    fine,    they   could   make  nothing   of  it, 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJlcciv.  209 

Kyme's  cafting  her  forthe  being  a  fa6l  that 
could  not  be  denyed  ;  and  neither  of  'em  being 
minded  to  rehearfe  the  previous  words  that 
had  paffed  between  them. 

So  Mafter  Kyme  returned  unto  his  own 
Place  ;  and  then  the  more  dangerous  charge 
of  Herefy  was  brought  againft  her,  Firft, 
Wriothefley  aiked  her  of  her  opynyon  of  the 
Sacrament  ;  to  whom  fhe  gave  no  dire6l 
anfwer  ;  and  when  Gardiner  did  charge  her  to 
fpeak  out,  fhe  fayd — 

"I  will  not  fmg  a  new  fong  unto  the  Lord 
m  a  ftrange  land." 

Then  enfewed  a  fharp  argument  betwixt 
them,  he  accufmg  her  of  fpeaking  in  parables. 
Then  flie  :  "  It  is  beft  I  fliould  ;  for  if  I  fpeak 
the  bare  Truth,  you  will  not  receive  it." 

"  You  are  a  Parrot ! "  quod  he  ;  which  was 
a  Angular  contradidion  to  Bonner's  complaynt 
of  her  that  flie  was  a  woman  of  few  words. 
To  this  check,  flie  only  made  anfwer  :  "  My 
Lord,  I  am  willing  to  receive  all  things  at 
your  hands,  whether  Rebukes  or  what  not." 

One  fliould  think  this  might  have  foftened 
him  ;  but  one  after  another  of  the  Council  did 
affa\l  and  browbeat  her  ;  prolonging  the 
fitting  to  about  five    hours.     Miftrefs    Anne 


210  The  Faire  Gojpcllef, 

was  then  conveyed,  much  wearied,  by  the 
Clerk  of  the  Council  to  my  Lady  Garnifh. 

What  paffed  next  day,  when  flie  was  agayn 
brought  before  J:he  Privy  Council,  I  can  but 
adduce,  as  above,  from  her  own  words.  My 
Lord  Chancellor  agayn  quefhioned  her  as 
touching  the  Sacrament.  She  alleged  fhe 
could  onlie  fay  what  fhe  had  alreadie  fayd. 
After  manie  words,  they  bade  her  ftep  afide. 
Lord  Lifle,  Lord  Effex,  and  the  Bifliop  of 
Winchefler  then  fued  her  earneflly  to  profefs 
the  bread  and  wine  to  be  verily  and  indeed 
bone,  flefh,  and  blood. 

"  It  is  a  great  fhame  of  you,"  fayd  fhe,  "  to 
counfel  contrary  to  your  knowledge." 

The  Bifhop  wiflied  to  fpeak  with  her  in 
private ;  but  flie  refufed ;  faying,  "  In  the 
mouth  of  two  or  three  witneffes,  everything 
fhall  be  eftabliO-ied." 

Then  fayd  the  Lord  Chancellor,  "  I  mufl 
have  another  word  on  the  Elements."  Quod 
file,  "  How  long  will  you  halt,  my  Lord,  on 
both  ? " 

"  Where  found  you  that  ? "  fayd  he.  She 
infwercd,  "  In  the  Scripture." 

"  You  will  be  burnt,"  quod  the  Bifliop. 
Well,  well,"   fayd  Ihe,  "  I   have  fcarched  all 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew. 


211 


the  Scriptures,  yet  never  could  find  that  either 
Chrifl  or  His  Apoftles  ever  put  anie  creature 
to  death." 

They  would  have  obtayned  her  fignature  to 
a  paper,  but  this  flie  refufed. 


SECTION  XIV. 


Delivered  to  ye  Tormentors. 


ITHERTO  Miftrefs  Anne's  Cou- 
\'^.gQ  had  never  quelled,  nor  her 
Faith  waxed  weak.  But  it  pleafes 
God  to  teft  and  prove  il's,  fervants, 
that  they  may  know  all  theire  ftrength  to  be 
from  Him,  and  that  without  Him  they  are 
nothing. 

When  I  returned  to  Miftrefs  Berry's,  after 
picking  up  what  I  coulde  of  the  Examination 
at  Greenwich,  who  fhould  I  find  there  but  my 
Niece,  Lettice !  She,  feeing  my  furprife. 
fayd,  "  Mafter  Kyme  hath  difcharged  me, 
refufing  anie  payment  of  Wages  fmce  the 
Night  I  left  his  Houfe  and  followed  Miftrefs 
Anne." 


Mijlrefs  Aiiiie   AJkezv.  213 

"  Nay,"  fayd  I,  "  that  was  to  be  ex- 
peaed." 

"  And  fince,"  piirfued  Lettice,  "  Miftrefs 
Difney  hath  undertaken  the  Children,  and 
declines  my  being  about  them,  I  came 
hither  to  fee  if  perchance  I  might  be  per- 
mitted to  wait  on  my  deare  Lady." 

At  this  moment,  there  came  in  Lady 
Denny's  man  Chriflopher,  who  had  often 
attended  Miftrefs  Anne  from  Court,  and 
brought  Letters  and  Meffages  ;  and  me- 
feemed  he  looked  kindlie  on  my  Niece. 
This  impreffion  was  not  weakened  by  the 
Start  I  faw  him  give,  when  he  entered  and 
found  her  with  me. 

"  You  here,  Miftrefs  Lettice .'  "  quod  he. 
"  How  I  wifli  you  could  be  placed  about 
your  miffortunate  Lady." 

"  That  is  the  fame  thing  which  I  covet," 
fayd  Lettice.  "  Do  ye  think.  Sir,  it  can  be 
brought  about .'' " 

"  Nay,  I  know  not,''  returned  he ;  "  but 
this  I  know,  that  it  would  give  entire  pleafure 
to  my  Lady  ;  and  with  your  approval  I  w'il) 
name  it  to  her  and  afk  whether  it  may  be 
done." 

"  Do  fo,  by  all  means,"  fayd  Lettice ;  and 


214  The  Faire  GofpcIIcr, 

then,  after  detailing  each  to  each  all  we  knew 
and  had  fecn  of  this  fad  Bufineffe,  he  made  as 
though  to  leave,  but  yet  ftepped  back  from 
the  Door  to  notice  fome  pretty  Flower  in 
the  little  Court  behind,  and  drew  Lettice 
out  to  tell  him  its  name  ;  and  there  I  thought 
they  had  a  little  Lover's  Talk,  fuch  as  the 
ftaid  think  foolifli,  but  which  I  difapproved 
not  for  either,  they  being  fo  difcreete  and 
good. 

At  length  it  grew  dark,  and  I  thought 
the  talk  lafted  too  long  ;  and  when  I  looked 
forthe  I  faw  them  ftill  in  the  Doorway,  their 
heads  clofe  together,  and  I  cryed,  "  'Tis  nigh 
the  time  when  fober  Folk  (liut  up." 

"  I  come.  Uncle,"  returned  Lettice  fome- 
what  pettiflily. 

"  I  go,  Sir,"  fayd  Chriftopher,  yet  went 
not. 

Then  I  misjudged  'em  both  as  elder  folk 
fometimcs  do  misjudge  the  young  (not  but 
what  Chriftopher  was  turned  of  thirty)  and 
held  the  chamber  door  in  my  hand,  half 
minded  to  fpeak  agayn  ;  and  foe  heard, 
foftly  fpoken,  fuch  words  as,  "  Well  then, 
good  night  .  .  .  you  promife  .  .  .  "  "  Yes,  I 
promife  .  .  .  "  "  You  fully  undcrftand  ..." 


Mijlrcfs   Aline  AJkew.  215 

"  I  fully  underftand  .  ,  .  "  "  I  may  tell  my 
Lady?"  "You  may."  "Be  fecret."  "As 
the  Grave."  "  Forget  not  the  Signal."  "  As 
foon  forget  my  Prayers." 

I  e'en  fancied  a  kifs  exchanged  ;  and 
therein  may  have  misjudged  'em  too.  How- 
beit,  when  Lettice  came  in,  and  ftruck  a 
light,  I  obferved  a  bright  hue  on  her  cheek 
and  fparkle  in  her  eyes,  which  yet  bore 
traces  of  tears.     I  fayd, — 

"  Ye  are  young,  my  Lafs  ;  and  I  fland  to 
thee  in  place  of  Father  and  Mother.  Beware 
of  men  .  .  .  fubtle  poifon  is  under  their 
tongues." 

"  Not  fuch  tongues  as  yours,  Uncle,  nor 
yet  as  Chriftopher's,"  fayth  fhe  quickly. 
"  What  think  ye  we  were  talking  of  .^  Plans 
of  communication,  in  cafe  I  fhould  be  fhut 
up  with  my  Lady,  and  which  e'en  may  lead 
to  her  releafe." 

The  good  Creatures  !  How  badly  I  had 
misjudged  'em  ! 

Now,  at  this  very  time,  as  we  afterwards 
learnt,  Miftrefs  Anne  lay  in  Ward  at  Green- 
wich, forrowful  unto  Death  ...  all  her 
Courage  gone,  her  Faith  quenched,  her 
Heart  difmayed,  her  Fears  raging,  her  Sins 


2i6  The  Faire  Gofpeller, 

brought  back  upon  her,  hke  a  burthen  too 
heavy  to  bear  ;  a  dark  Cloud  interpofed  be- 
tween her  and  her  Saviour,  and  a  great  fear 
of  death  taking  hold  of  her.  That  was  the 
dread  hour  of  the  Powers  of  Darkneffe  :  her 
foul  refufed  comfort,  flie  watered  her  couch 
with  tears,  and  befought  piteoufly  flie  might 
fee  Mafter  Latimer.  Infteade  of  which  were 
onlie  Adverfaries  and  bufy  Mockers. 

Chriftopher  came  next  day  in  great  difmay 
to  tell  us  this  ;  and  he  fayd  intereft  was  be- 
ing made  by  fecret  friends  to  get  Lettice 
admitted  to  her. 

This  was  on  a  Sunday  ;  and  we  wreflled 
in  Prayer  for  her  almoft  all  the  Day,  fmce 
fhe  was  brought  too  low  to  be  able  to  pray 
for  herfelf     Mark  the  anfwcr. 

In  the  height  of  her  illnefs,  when  flie 
thought  fhe  fhould  die,  fhe  was  removed  to 
Newgate.  There,  her  ftrength  was  renewed 
from  above,  never  more  to  give  way.  Her 
enemies  fearing  fhe  fliould  Tcape  them  by 
too  eafy  an  end,  fo  far  relaxed  as  to  let  her 
Maid  vifit  her  from  time  to  time.  When 
file  faw  Lettice  firft  come  in.  Hie  flung  her 
arms  about  her,  and  refted  her  head  on  her 
fjeck. 


Mijlrcfs  Anne  AJJcezv.  217 

•'  Oh,"  fayth  flie,  "  I  have  had  a  bitter  fea- 
fon  of  defolation,  but  it  is  clean  overpaft. 
My  Lord  fmiles  upon  me  :  He  will  not  hide 
His  face  agayn." 

She  now  wrote  to  her  friends,  bescoringr 
them  to  pray  for  her.  And  fhe  wrote  to 
the  King,  meekly  fetting  forth  the  articles 
of  her  Faith,  and  affirming  that,  though  by 
nature  finfull,  yet  fhe  could  take  Heaven  to 
record  fhe  was  innocent  of  all  Herefy. 

Next  day,  they  brought  her  for  examina- 
tion to  the  Crown  Inn,  where  Rich  and 
Bonner  with  all  their  power  and  fpecioufe 
words  went  about  to  perfuade  her  to  unfay 
herfelf,  but  in  vayn.  After  them.  Dr. 
Nicholas  Shaxton  counfelled  her  to  recant 
as  he  had  done  ;  but  fhe  told  him,  "  It  had 
been  better  for  you,  had  ye  ne'er  been  born." 
Thereafter  flie  was  fent  to  the  Tower. 

At  three  o'  the  clock  that  fame  Afternoon, 
came  to  her  Wriothefley  and  Rich,  and  it  is 
not  to  be  doubted,  at  the  immediate  inftance 
of  the  King,  whofe  jealoufie  of  his  good 
Queen's  orthodoxie  had  now  been  artfullie 
awakened  by  her  Enemies,  who  defired  to 
bring  her  and  fundrie  of  her  Ladies  to  the 
Block. 


10 


21 8  The  Fairc  Gofpellcr, 

To  this  end  the  Lord  Chancellor  and  Mr, 
Solicitor  Generall  now  came,  refolving  by  all 
Means,  faire  or  foul,  to  get  Miftrefs  Anne  to 
criminate  them.  They  plied  her  with  quef- 
lions  as  touching  the  Duchefs  of  Suffolk, 
Lady  Suffex,  Lady  Hertford,  Lady  Denny, 
and  Lady  Fitzwilliam,  but  flie  fayd  flie  had 
nothing  to  allege  againft  anie  of  them. 

"  Nay  but,"  quod  they,  "  the  King  hath 
been  informed  that  ye  can,  an'  if  ye  will, 
name  a  large  number  of  perfons  of  the  fame 
way  of  thinking  as  yourfelf " 

"  The  King,"  fhe  replyed,  "  hath  beene 
mifinformed  on  that  point,  as  on  others,  by 
thofe  about  him." 

"  Who  affifted  you  in  prifon  } " 

"  My  maid.  Sirs,  went  out  and  begged  of 
the  City  Prentices,  who  gave  her  of  their 
charitic,  but  who  the  good  lads  were  I  know 
not." 

"  Nay,  but  we  know  ye  had  money  of  cer- 
tayn  Ladies,  whofe  names  ye  can  tell  if  ye 
will." 

"  Lidecd,  a  man  in  a  blue  coat  did  once 
bring  me  ten  fliillings,  as  he  fayd,  from 
Lady  Hertford  ;  and  another  in  a  violet  coat 
gave  me  eight  fliillings,  he  fayd,  from  Lady 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJIcczu.  219 

Denny.     But  in  faith,  Sirs,  'tis  like  the  good 
man  gave  it  me  of  his  own  good  will." 

"  What  members  of  the  Privy  Council 
contributed  to  your  needs  in  Prifon  ? " 

"  Not  one." 

"Tis  falfc!"  burft  forthe  the  Chancellor; 
"  and  unlefs  ye  give  up  their  names  ye  fliall 
be  racked." 

"  I  have  no  names  to  give  up." 

Then  they  fummoned  Sir  Thomas  Knyvet, 
Lieutenant  of  the  Tower,  to  fubje6t  her  tender 
body  to  that  villanous  Torture.  ...  Oh ! 
what  fayth  Scripture  1  "  I  fay  unto  you,  my 
friends,  Fear  not  them  which  can  deftroy  the 
Body,  but  afterwards  have  no  more  that  they 
can  do." 

S/ze  did  not  fear  !  flie,  fo  lately  overwhelmed 
with  Tears  and  Terrors,  now  meekly  fubmit- 
ted  herfelf  to  the  Tormentors,  and  uttered  no 
Moan.  Sir,  in  their  devilifh  fpight,  they  had 
doubtlefs  thought  to  delight  their  ears  with 
her  weeping  Lamentations  ;  and  becaufe  flie 
now  fuftayned  that  horrid  ftretching  with  in- 
trepid conftancy,  and  ftill  gave  up  no  names, 
thofe  Beafts  rather  than  Men  flung  off  their 
Gowns  and  racked  her  with  their  owne  hands, 
till  fhe  was  well-nigh  dead,  yet  after  recover- 


220  The  Fa  ire  Gofpcller, 

mg  a  little  fhe  reafoned  with  Wriothefley  on 
the  Sacrament,  two  hours  off  and  on,  and 
/ielded  not  one  jot  of  the  truth  as  fhe  held  it. 

Now  thefe  things  could  not  be  done  in  a 
corner,  for  fervants  fpy  out  all  theire  Mafters* 
ways  ;  and  Chriftopher  being  in  communica- 
tion with  Rich's  fervant,  had  time  to  bring  us 
word  of  this  long  ordeal,  and  carry  Lettice  and 
me  down  to  the  Tower,  to  fee  what  might  hap. 

Miftrefs  Anne  was  then  being  carryed  into 
a  private  Houfe  to  be  recovered,  thofe  Savages 
being  fomewhat  fhamed  at  having  fo  mangled 
her  as  nearly  to  be  her  Death  ;  and  Chrifto- 
pher, knowing  one  of  the  Servants,  did 
fmuggle  us  in  to  minifter  to  her. 

As  I  bent  over  her  white,  cold  face,  fhe 
whifpered,  "  Sure,  dear  Friend,  I  have  as 
wearie  and  painful  limbes  as  ever  had  patient 
Job."  I  fayd,  "  O,  dear  Ladye,  ye  have  fhown 
Job's  patience,  and  ye  have  Job's  God  to  be 
your  Strength."  "Aye,  and  He  doth  ftrength- 
en  me,"  whifpered  fhe. 

Some  one  of  the  houfe  here  brought  in 
word  from  the  Chancellor,  that  if  fhe  would 
recant,  fhe  fhoulde  be  mercifullie  dealt  with  ; 
but  if  fhe  did  refufe,  fhe  fhould  be  fent  back 
to  Newgate  and  burnt. 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJheiu.  221 

She  made  anfwer,  "  Rather  Death  than 
falfe  of  Fayth." 

To  Newgate,  therefore,  flie  was  agayn 
committed,  fo  foone  as  fhe  could  be  moved. 

Meanwhile  Sir  Thomas  Knyvet,  in  the 
greateft  trouble  of  mind,  fought  the  King's 
prefence,  and  humblie  befought  his  forgive- 
nefs  for  not  having  racked  Miftrefs  Anne  as 
extremely  as  the  Chancellor  and  Mr,  Secre- 
tary would  have  had  him  do. 

The  King,  afhamed  of  what  had  been 
done,  forgave  him,  and  bade  him  return  to  his 
charge ;  and  afterwards  upbraided  Wriothef- 
ley  and  Rich  for  their  "  extreme  handling  of 
the  woman."  And  yet  it  was  fhrewdly 
fufpe6led  he  had  authorized  it  himfelf !  Put 
not  your  faith  in  Princes. 

Now  in  Newgate  at  this  time  there  was 
a  little  army  of  Martyrs  in  the  fame  con- 
demnation with  Miftrefs  Anne,  and  deftined 
for  the  fame  difmal  fate  ;  albeit  one  of  them, 
George  Blaage,  being  the  King's  fervant, 
was  let  off  To  Lafcelles,  one  of  thefe 
prifoners,  whom  Miftrefs  Anne  held  in  much 
efteem,  fhe,  as  foon  as  able  to  ufe  a  pen,  did 
indite  the  Letter  here  following  : — 


•yy-f 


The  Faire  Gofpeller, 


"  O  Friend  mod  dearlie  beloved  in  God  ! 

"  I  marvel  not  a  little  what  fliould  move, 
you  to  judge  me  in  fo  flender  a  Faith  as  to 
fear  Death,  which  is  the  end  of  all  Mifery. 
In  the  Lord,  I  defire  you  not  to  believe  of 
me  fuch  Weaknefs ;  for  I  doubt  not  God 
will  perform  His  work  in  me,  like  as  He 
hath  begun. 

"  I  underftand  the  Council  is  not  a  little 
difpleafed,  that  it  is  reported  abroad  that  I 
was  racked  in  the  Tower.  They  fay  now, 
that  what  they  did  there  was  but  to  fear 
me  ;  whereby  I  perceive  they  are  afliamed  of 
their  uncomely  Doings,  and  fear  much  lef 
the  King's  Majefty  fliould  have  information 
thereof;  wherefore  they  would  that  no  Man 
fliould  noife  it.  Well,  theire  crueltie  God 
forg-ive  them  !  " 


'o' 


Indeed  fhc  wrote  manie  godlie  letters 
during  her  few  remayning  days,  to  ftrengthen 
and  refrefli  our  Souls  with  that  Comfort 
wherewith  fhe  was  comforted.  As  alfo,  a 
full  declaration  of  her  faith,  which  if  Time 
and  occafion  ferve,  I  will  put  in  an  Appen- 
dix. 

But   now   the   doom   went   forth    that  die 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew. 


223 


fhe  fhould  ;  and  by  that  moft  horrid  Payn 
of  Burning.  Along  with  her  were  to  fuffer, 
firfte,  a  Shropfliire  Prieft,  called  Nicholas 
Belenian ;  next,  Mafter  John  Lafcelles, 
Gentleman  of  the  Houfehold  to  the  King's 
Majefty ;  third,  John  Adams,  a  fimple 
Tailor :  widely  differing  from  one  another 
in  all  Outward  Circumflances ;  all  alike  in 
the  Communion  of  Faith. 

Within  her  iron  Cage,  ye  might  then  have 
heard  our  fwect  Bird  finging  a  hymn  of  her 
own  compofure,  ending  with — 

Yet^  Lord,  I  Thee  defire  : 

For  tJiat  they  do  to  me, 
Let  ihe/n  not  tafte  the  hire 

Of  their  Iiiiquitie. 


SECTION    XV. 


Adjutor  in   Tribulationibus. 


J^T  would  be  impoffible  to  defcribe 
the  awful  Rumour  through  Lon- 
don flretes,  the  Night  afore  the 
Martyrdom.  It  was  fixed  for  the 
third  Day  after  the  laft  Examination,  Mif- 
trefs  Berry,  all  bewept,  would  faine  have  me 
take  her  beforehand  to  Smithfield,  where 
the  dreadful  Tragedy  was  to  be  brought 
to  its  Clofe ;  and  many  Citizens  and  their 
Wives,  unable  to  bear  the  dread  Spe6la- 
cle  itfclf,  were  minded  to  fee  the  Spot, 
as  well  as  a  multitude  of  the  bafer  fort, 
who  love  to  be  ftimulatcd  with  whatever  is 
horrible. 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJkew.  225 

Thus,  as  we  approached  the  place, 
we  found  it  ahnoft  impaffable ;  but  yet 
were  let  through  when  'twas  under- 
ftood  we  had  perfonal  concern  in  one 
of  the  Martyrs  ;  and  pitying  looks  were 
given  us,  with  murmurs  of  "  Poor  foules." 

We  coulde  hear  the  hollow  Reverbe- 
ration of  many  Hammers  ufed  by  the 
Carpenters  who  were  bufilie  fetting  up 
a  raifed  and  covered  Stage  in  front 
of  St.  Bartholomew's  Hofpital,  whereon 
the  Lord  Chancellor  and  his  Com- 
peers were  to  fit ;  alfo  a  temporary 
Pulpit  for  the  Sermon  to  the  con- 
demned ;  and  round  all,  a  ftrong,  circu- 
lar Fence,  inclofmg  a  good  area.  Right 
in  the  centre,  before  the  Stage  and 
no  great  fpace  from  the  Pulpit,  were 
alreadie  to  be  feen  three  ftrong  Oaken 
Stakes,  with  a  Pile  of  Fagots  befide 
them ;  at  the  mere  fight  of  which,  many 
women  wept,  turned  fick,  and  were  readie 
to  faint.  We  met  manie  pufliing  away  from 
it,  whofe  places  were  eagerl}'  filled  by  new 
Comers. 

Having  rent  our  hearts  by  this  fad  fcene,  I 
took   Mirtrefs   Berry  out  of   the  crowd,  and 

IQ* 


226  Tlie  Faire  Gofpdlcr, 

went  flraight  to  Newgate,  having  gotten  a 
Pals. 

I  found  Miftrefs  Anne  fewing  a  but- 
ton to  the  collar  of  the  long  white 
garment  fhe  was  to  wear  on  the  mor- 
row, and  biting  off  the  Thread  as  I 
had  oft  feene  her  do  in  happier  hours. 
She  raifed  her  Angel  Face,  which  was 
as  calm  as  if  fhe  were  preparing  for  fome 
Chriftian  feftival,  and  holding  out  her  hand, 
fayd,— 

"  O,  dear  Friend,  how  it  joys  me 
to  fee  you !  Do  not  go  to  Smithfield 
to-morrow — it  will  tax  you  too  forelie. 
My  light  AfBiction,  which  will  be  but 
for  a  Moment,  will,  lead  to  a  far  more 
exceeding     and     Eternal    Weight    of     Glo- 

I  fayd,  "  How  can  you  call  it  light  ?  '* 

"  Becaufe  the  Lord  makes  it  fo,"  flie  re- 
plyed.  "  He  fank  beneath  His  own  Crofs : 
but  He  takes  up  XhQ  heavie  End  of  mine. 
And  thus,  my  Burthen  is  light." 

Seeing  I  could  not  anfwer  her  for 
Tears,  fl-ve  fayd,  "  Come,  I  will  fing  tc 
you  .  .  . 

"  Oh>  do  not — do  not !  .  .  I* 


Mijlrefs   Anne  AJJcciv.  227 

"Yes,  let  me,  for  the  laft  time,  Nicholas! 
— till  I  fing  the  Lord  a  new  Song  in  his 
bleffed  Kingdom.  I  made  words  and  tune 
myfelf,  as  I  fewed  at  my  Shroud  ;  now  hear 
how  goodly  it  is." 

And  herewith  flie  took  one  of  my 
hands  in  both  her  own,  and  though  fo 
wrenched  by  that  vile  Rack  that  flie 
could  not  fet  foot  on  the  Ground,  fhe 
looked  in  my  face,  and  fmiled  and  fang 
till  I  almoft  wi filed  to  die  hearing  her 
fo  fing.  Then  flie  fayd,  "  Let  us  pray." 
And  prayed  for  us  all,  and  for  her  Ene- 
myes,  and  laft  for  herfelf  "  Now,  you 
pray,"  quod  fhe  ;  and  fo  I  did.  I  wot  not 
how  long  we  fhould  have  gone  on  this  way, 
but  that  Archdeacon  Louth  came  to  vifit 
her ;  fo  I  had  to  take  leave  of  her,  he  over- 
looking us,  and  could  not,  for  Manhood  and 
Chriftianitie,  fhow  lefs  fortitude  than  fhe, 
w^ho  had  fuch  need  to  retayn  her  felf  com- 
mand. She  kiffed  me,  once  and  agayn, 
calling  me  her  father,  bade  me  give  her  love 
to  Lettice,  and  Miftrefs  Berry,  and  all  in- 
quiring friends  ;  then  waved  me  off,  ftill 
fmiling,  with — 

"  Now  go  :    I   have  another  to  fee  :    good 


2.78 


The  Faire  Gojpcller. 


bye !     good    bye ! — Have    a    care    of    your 
health,  Nicholas  !     We  fliall  meet  agayn  ! "  . . . 
The  Archdeacon  looked  on,  aftonied. 


>^ 


SECTION  XVI. 


Freed  at  Lajl. 


I FTER  her  bidding  me  fpare  myfelf, 
and  not  go,  ye  may  wonder  that 

I   went Sir !    I    coulde  not 

refrayn.  I  miift  needs  catch  the 
laft  fiofht  of  her.  But  what  !  Could  I  not 
bear  to  fee,  what  fhe  could  bear  to  fuffer  ? 

I  hired  a  window  in  a  mean  Houfe  o'er- 
looking  Smithfield  Market,  the  owner  being 
a  fecret  Friend  of  Miflrefs  Anne's,  or,  at 
any  rate,  of  fome  of  her  fellow-fufferers 
To  this  place  I  repaired  overnight,  which 
they  told  me  would  be  neceffarie,  becaufe 
of  the  prefs.  And  they  offered  me  Supper 
and  Bed  ;  but  I  would  not  fuffer  mine  eye- 
hds    to    take    reft,    nor   partake    aught    fave 


230  The  Faire  Gojpcller, 

tlie  bread  of    affli61;ion    and    the    water    of 
affliction. 

If  her  Friends  could  not  wreftle  for  her 
in  Prayer,  that  night,  and  all  night  long, 
what  manner  of  Friends  muft  they  be  ? 
Had  I  e'en  been  minded  to  fleep,  the  lugu- 
brious noifes  outfide,  and  fiifurra  of  the 
mixed  Multitude,  muft  have  prevented  it. 
Early  in  the  morning,  the  church  Bell  began 
to  toll  with  a  heavie,  difmal  found.  A  body 
of  Halbardiers  came  and  encircled  ye  fence. 
Before  it  well  got  light,  I  faw  men  bufie 
piling  the  Fagots  about  the  Stakes,  and  care- 
fully inferting  fomewhat  among  them.  I 
afked  the  Owner  of  the  Houfe  what  they 
were  about.  He  fayd,  putting  refinous  mat- 
ters, and,  maybe,  gunpowder,  to  fliorten  the 
Martyrs'  fuffcring.  Therein  I  took  fome 
comfort. 

At  length,  after  much  fufpenfe,  a  general 
movement  and  fuppreffed  hum  told  that  the 
prifoners  were  approaching.  The  Lord 
Chancellor,  old  Duke  of  Norfolk,  Earl  of 
Bedford,  and  Lord  Mayor,  arrived  with 
much  Pomp,  and  took  their  feats,  which  had 
now  a  red  awning.  A  Grange,  confufed 
moan    or  groan    from  many  voices,  arofe  as 


MiJIirfs    A  line   AJJcczv.  231 

the  Martyrs  came  in,  with  bare  heads  and 
feet,  and  in  long  white  Garments.  Tnafmuch 
as,  by  reafon  of  her  previous  racking,  Mif- 
trefs  Anne  could  not  ftand,  fhe  was  brough 
in  a  Cart,  containing  a  Chair,  in  which  flie 
was  fupported  by  two  Sergeants  at  Arms. 
My  eyes  grew  mifty  as  they  lifted  her  out, 
and  when  I  could  look  at  her  agayn,  fhe  was 
bound  with  a  chain  to  the  fame  flake  with 
another  of  the  four  Martyrs ;  and  Fagots 
were  being  heaped  about  them.  Then  there 
was  a  Paufe. 

And  now  the  weak-hearted  Shaxton 
mounted  the  Pulpit,  and  began  to  inveigh 
againft  the  pure  do6trine  which,  not  long 
agone,  he  himfelf  had  upheld.  I  doubt  if  a 
fmgle  foul  attended  to  his  Sermon,  fave 
Miftrefs  Anne,  who,  when  he  grievoufly 
mif-quoted  Scripture,  fayd,  in  her  clear, 
filver  voice,  "  He  fpeaketh  without  the 
Book."  I  faw  the  Chancellor  gnaw  his 
nails  at  this. 

And  next  the  tempting  offer  of  the  King's 
written  pardon,  as  unfolded  and  difplayed  by 
the  Chancellor,  was  made  to  each  Martyr  in 
turn.  Miftrefs  Anne  refufed  even  to  look  at 
it,  faying,  "  I  am  not  come  here  to  deny  my 


232  The  Fa  ire  Gofpeller, 

Lord  and  Mafter."  The  others  refufed  in 
turn.  Whereon  my  Lord  Mayor  rofe  in  his 
place,  and  in  a  loud,  deep  voyce,  cried, 

''Fiat  Jitjlitia',' 

^  and      immediately     the     fagots     began     to 
crackle. 

Now  there  was  a  great  fwaying  to  and  fro 
of  the  crowd,  as  of  a  mighty  Wave  of  the 
Sea,  and  I  believe  there  were  cryings  and 
moanings,  and  favage  ftrugglings  for  places. 
Amidft  it  all,  my  Lord  Chancellor  rofe  up 
in  great  hafte,  along  with  all  his  Compeers, 
and  with  moft  ungraceful  Diforder  would 
have  quitted  the  Stage  ;  having  heard  there 
was  Gunpowder  amongft  the  Stakes,  and 
fearing  the  Explofion  might  reach  'em. 
Some  time  elapfed,  ere  they  were  fatiffyed 
on  this  point  and  refumed  their  Places. 

Clouds  of  white,  eddying  Smoke,  and 
darting  forks  of  Flame,  now  concealed  the 
Martyrs  from  our  eyes  ;  but  thofe  neareft  to 
them  heard  them  utter  pious  Ejaculations. 
The  Smoke  parting  a  little,  I  faw  deare 
Miftrefs  Anne's  head  fallen  on  her  cheft, 
and    felt   affured    fhe   was    fmothered.      Tlio 


Mijljrfs   Anne  AJkew.  233 

next  inftant,  a  loud  Report  caufed  a  general 
outcry :  the  powder  had  exploded.  Their 
light  Affli6lion,  which  was  but  for  a  Moment, 
had  been  exchanged  for  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  Weight  of  Glory. 

Sir,  they  fay  there  was  a  Thunder-ftorm 
burft  over  us  at  the  time,  but  I  was  too 
abforbed  to  note  it.  To  me,  the  whole 
world  had,  for  the  nonce,  become  a  blank. 
That  night,  llrange  to  fay,  I  flept  heavilie. 
During  the  evening,  I  and  Lettice,  and 
Miftrefs  Berry  and  Chriftopher,  had  gathered 
together  and  communed  on  all  that  lay  in 
our  Hearts.  We  were  fenfible  of  an  inex- 
preffible  Load  taken  off  us  ;  the  worft  had 
been  done.  It  could  never  be  done  agayn  : 
fhe  was  beyond  and  above  their  reach  now. 
We  wept,  and  talked  of  her  pretty  ways,  and 
how  we  had  feared  once  and  agayn  her 
courage  might  fayl  at  the  End.  But  it  never 
did. 

That  night,  I  learned  that  Chriftopher 
had  afked  Lettice  to  be  his  Wife.  I  fayd, 
"  I  can  entruft  you  with  her  ;  I  know  her 
happineffe  will  be  in  fafe  keeping.  But  let 
us  not  think  of  Wedding  Bells  along  with 
Martyr  Fires." 


^ 


234  T^f^'^  Faiie  Co/pcllcr, 

To  be  brief :  in  due  time  they  were 
marryed  ;  they  have  been  happy,  and  have 
reared  up  a  numerous  and  virtuous  progeny. 
I  am  always  welcome  at  their  Farm,  and 
from  time  to  time  have  flayed  there  ;  but  I 
am  now  fo  well  ftricken  in  years, — though 
my  Sight,  Hearing,  and  Memory  are  unim- 
payred, — that  I  prefer  hanging  about  the  old 
Home  of  my  Boyhood,  where  I  hope,  not 
longe  hence,  to  die. 

Sir,  I  have  tried  not  to  be  garrulous ;  I 
have  fayd  little  or  nothing  of  mine  owne 
People — my  good  Father  and  Mother — their 
edifying  Deaths,  within  a  few  Hours  of  one 
another — the  death  of  Sir  Maurice  the 
Chaplain — my  going  up  to  Greenwich  to 
prefent  my  Book  to  the  King's  Majefty,  &c.  ; 
and  yet  I  fear  I  have  mentioned  myfelf  nearlie 
as  oft  as  Miftrefs  Anne. 

This  is  a  fault,  and  fliould  be  corre6ted. 
But  I  am  too  old  for  correftion  now.  It 
hath  given  me  fome  pleafure  to  jot  down 
thefe  fading  Memoryes  and  read  them  after- 
w^ards  to  Jafper  ...  I  have  like  wife  journeyed 
to  Chriftopher's  Farm,  and  read  over  the 
MS.  to  him  and  Lettice,  now  paft  their 
Meridian ;    it   recalled  fome    fad    yet    fweet 


Mijlrcfs   Anne  AJlcew.  235 

recolleclions  to  them,  in  fpecial  including 
what  firft  brought  them  together  ;  viz., 
mutual  concern  for  a  moft  unfortunate  Lady. 
And  an  efleem  bafed  on  fuch  a  concern  is 
very  fit  to  be  itfelf  the  bafe  of  a  true  and 
virtuous  Love. 

But  what  of  Miftrefs  Anne's  foes .''  They 
are  all  dead,  and  gone  to  their  own  place, 
wherever  that  may  be.  If  there  were  anie 
thing  to  be  alleged  in  their  excufe,  I  hope  it 
will  be  alleged.  God  is  not  extreme  to  mark 
what  is  done  amifs,  fpecially  from  Ignorance. 
But  there  are  fome  Sins  that  proceed  from  a 
worfe  Root  than  that  :  from  defperate  Hard- 
nefs  of  Heart  and  Tyrannoufnefs.  I  believe 
there  muft  be  a  condign  Punifhment  for 
fuch.  I  fliould  believe  it,  if  'twere  not  re- 
vealed ;  but  it  is.  We  are  told  of  it  by  Him 
who  was  emphaticallie  TJie  TnitJi,  and  He 
was  fo  forrie  for  what  the  unrepentant  needs 
muft  come  to,  if  they  turned  not,  that  He 
gave  His  own  life  for  them,  to  the  end  that 
all  who  believe  in  Him  fhould  not  perifh,  but 
have  everlafting  Life. 

In  Stallingboro'  Church,  ye  may  fee  the 
fayre  Tomb  of  marble,  under  which  lie 
buried      Sir     William     Aflcew     and     Dame 


236  The  Fairc  Gofpcller, 

Margery,  his  fecond  Wife.  Upon  the  tomb 
is  the  portrayture  of  himfelfe,  in  compleat 
Armour  ;  upon  his  Surcoat  his  armes,  Sa :  a 
feffe  d'or  entre  trois  Affes  paffants  d'argcnt, 

maynes,    tayles,    and    hoofs There, 

alfo,  ye  may  fee  the  tomb  of  Sir  Francis, 
reprefented  upon  it  by  a  recumbent  half 
flatue,  his  head  forrowfullie  rechning  on  his 
left  hand.  He  died  long  ago,  Sir,  while  I, 
his  fenior,  ftill  live.  His  eldeft  fon  and  heir, 
died  before  him. 

I  am  not  forrie  to  have  been  put  upon 
making  this  brief  abftrackt  of  a  very  forrow- 
ful  Page  of  Family  Hiftory,  in  fpecial  at  the 
requeft  of  a  young  Gentleman  who  may  be 
advantaged  by  this  Inftance  of  the  Vi6fory 
of  the  Soul  over  the  Body  ;  as  well  as 
deterred  from  Pufillanimity  by  the  fad 
falling  off  of  the  gallant  and  gracioufe  Sir 
Francis. 

But  as  to  applying  the  fubftance  of  the 
Lincolnfhire  Tragedy  to  the  Stage  .  .  albeit 
as  full  of  dramatique  Intereft  as  aught  in 
Sophocles  or  Euripides,  though  the  one 
wrote  of  Antigone  and  the  other  of  Iphigenia 
.  ,  .  Sir,  the  fubje6l  matter  is  too  facred, 
and  involves  too  frequent  reference  to   Holy 


Mip'cfs  Anne   AjTccw.  237 

names  and  fymbols,  that  QioukI  not  be 
brought  on  the  Stage  '*'  p^f^fane  Hand 
muft  not  touch  them 


FINIS. 


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